Students as catalysts for curricular innovation: A change management framework

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Research
• Curriculum Development
• Leadership Studies

Background:

• The role of medical students in driving curricular change within US medical schools is not well-documented.
• Existing literature lacks a clear definition of student leadership in curriculum innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and characterize student leadership in catalyzing and leading curricular change in medical education.
• To identify barriers and activators for effective student engagement in curriculum reform.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative case studies of student-led curricular change initiatives.
• Analysis using Kotter's change management framework and thematic analysis.
• Data collection through workshop reflections and surveys.

Main Results:

• Student roles were identified across all eight steps of Kotter's change management framework.
• Barriers included faculty and student perspectives, and lack of leadership training.
• Key activators involved collaborative recruitment, broadened roles, empowerment, and recognition of student leaders.

Conclusions:

• Medical schools can enhance student-faculty partnerships by implementing identified activators.
• Empowering students transforms them from passive consumers to active agents in curriculum co-creation.
• This approach fosters a more dynamic and responsive medical education system.