A Foundational Science Department's Transition to an Online Community
Kara Sawarynski1, Douglas J Gould1
1Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, MI USA.
Medical Science Educator
|September 14, 2020
Summary
This study addresses the challenge of maintaining a collaborative medical school department culture during an immediate pivot to remote operations. It explores strategies for preserving collegiality and departmental identity in a virtual environment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Organizational Psychology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid transitions to online platforms for medical school departments globally.
- Foundational science departments, characterized by strong collaborative cultures, faced unique challenges beyond remote teaching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for sustaining departmental culture and collegiality in a remote work setting.
- To identify key strategies for maintaining a sense of community within a large, diverse scientific department during a sudden shift to online operations.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative assessment of departmental leadership concerns regarding remote work.
- Analysis of challenges encountered in transitioning a collaborative scientific department to a virtual environment.
Main Results:
- Immediate pivot to online community presented significant challenges to departmental culture.
- Maintaining collegiality and collaboration required proactive strategies beyond remote teaching logistics.
Conclusions:
- Preserving a strong departmental culture in a remote setting is a critical concern for medical school leadership.
- Effective strategies are needed to foster connection and collaboration in virtual academic environments.
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