A virtual rural medicine self-learning module for preclerkship students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Rural Health
• Physician Workforce Development

Background:

• Ontario medical schools mandate rural preclerkship placements for all students.
• A significant gap exists in pre-departure training for Canadian rural medicine placements.
• Enhanced preparation is crucial for student success and retention in rural practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a virtual self-learning module (SLM) designed to enhance medical students' preparedness for rural placements.
• To improve students' capacity for delivering compassionate care in rural settings.
• To foster greater awareness and interest in rural medicine careers among students.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a virtual self-learning module (SLM).
• Module content focused on rural health issues and compassionate care strategies.
• Targeted at medical students undertaking mandatory rural preclerkship placements.

Main Results:

• The SLM effectively improved students' knowledge of rural health challenges.
• The module encouraged students to explore potential rural medicine career paths.
• Enhanced preparation is linked to a potentially improved rural placement experience.

Conclusions:

• Virtual self-learning modules can effectively prepare medical students for rural placements.
• Improved pre-departure training may increase the number of physicians choosing rural careers.
• Addressing training gaps is vital for supporting the rural medical workforce.