June 1, 2024
From the Dean's Desk
I write to thank all the School of Medicine students who participated in the Independent Student Analysis (ISA) survey distributed in fall of 2023. And, many thanks to the eight-member Independent Student Analysis Committee representing each of the programs. It took time, dedication and effort to create, distill, analyze, write and rewrite the final report I received in late March.
We read it and are appreciative to all of you for letting me and your education deans know what is working and what needs improvement. There were several suggestions and recommendations. Let me take three of the items that appear most pressing and respond: communication, parking and safety and third-party preparation materials. We hear you and are working to address the concerns raised.
Communication
A compelling theme in the survey was communication. In the spirit of life-long learning, I am dedicating my team’s time to create this newsletter to improve communication among all three programs—WR2/University Program (WR2/UP), the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) program and the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine program (LCP)—and to provide updates of how we are working to address or provide insight into reviewing the ISA with our education leadership team. There are many opportunities to further collaborate and enhance our offerings by providing feedback to our faculty who teach you.
I heard that you want to know what all three programs are doing so you feel fully informed and that you want the communication loop closed and updates on where things stand. We intentionally streamlined communication to send focused information pertinent to specific program participants, but maybe we were too narrow, so now we are broadening our communication scope. This newsletter serves as a way to communicate with all students enrolled in our med ed programs and as a mechanism to provide up-to-date information regarding how we are addressing the suggestions in the report. We will look for feedback and hope you will let us know if we are on the mark.
Parking and Safety
Thanks to the ISA Executive Report, I have instructed members of my staff to work with university leadership, Cleveland Clinic and the City of Cleveland to address parking concerns. These are the steps we have or will be taking in the next few months and updates will be provided in future versions of this newsletter.
Previous and current steps underway:
- Make the JJ parking lot available to students after hours, weekends and holidays for all CWRU parking pass holders. Currently, this is available to students with parking permits of any type. We are exploring how we can improve access for students who do not have CWRU parking permits.
- Create 70 text-to-park hourly spots in Lot 14. The cost is $1 per hour for a maximum of five hours. This has been launched and is readily available for any student (no pass required) in a designated area (see map) of Lot 14.
- Work with university offices to improve surface lot security.
- Promote and improve CWRU Shuttles and Safe Ride schedules and their apps.
- Hold safety awareness events during orientation.
- Install bike racks on the HEC property.
- Introduce the new HEC security officers at class meetings and during orientation as recommended in ISA.
- Require CWRU badge access for entry into the HEC.
Navigating third party study aids
A bit of background as the recommendation in the ISA was to provide access to materials such as UWorld.
In the 2022–23 academic year, students asked for subscriptions to be provided (previous classes paid individually for subscriptions). In preparing for the AY2023–24 budget, a request was made for both the WR2/UP and LCP to join together to offer subscriptions to UWorld. Due to different fiscal calendars among CWRU and CCF, the request could not be met. Thus, CWRU allocated funding from the Dean for a six-month subscription for second-year students preparing for their USMLE Step 1 exam as a pilot to see if the subscription helped students. The Lerner College Program opted for a one-year subscription.
Next steps are to collect data and assess and evaluate the return on investment over the next three years to see the impact and determine what is sustainable.
On another note, the CWRU Compliance Office created a valuable online module for the campus community to understand the roles and responsibilities around advocacy for societal issues. It has been shared with faculty and staff and we want to encourage all students to watch the training video as well. We are sharing it here for those of you who are interested.
We will publish this newsletter every-other-month, with the caveat that if there is something we want you to know immediately regarding all three programs, we will increase our frequency.
November 1, 2023
Exciting Changes in Career Planning Services!
The Offices of Student Affairs for both University and Lerner College Programs are thrilled to announce significant changes to Career Planning Services. Our commitment to helping our students excel in their personal and professional development has led us to reorganize this vital department.
Meet Our New Director: Dr. Jill Azok, Assistant Dean for Students and Dean of the Satcher Society, is now at the helm of Career Planning Services for the University Program. Dr. Azok brings a wealth of experience and a passion for guiding students toward successful careers in medicine. Drs. Stacey Jolly and Paul Bryson will continue as Director and Assistant Director of Career Planning for the Lerner College Program and look forward to collaborating with Dr. Azok on joint programming.
Dedicated Support Staff: Amanda Monyak has joined the University Program team to provide full-time support for Career Planning Services. With her expertise and dedication, she is here to ensure that you receive the best guidance and resources to kickstart your medical career journey.
Our Vision: We are committed to your success. The vision is for all students to build a team of mentors and sponsors targeted for the achievement of their personal and professional development. We believe that personalized guidance is essential for achieving your personal and professional development milestones.
Comprehensive Support: Our revamped Career Planning Services are designed to accompany you throughout your medical school journey. Our activities are robust and span all four years of medical school including:
M1-M2 Years
- 21 Specialty Panels: Explore a wide range of medical specialties and gain valuable insights.
- Required Speed Mentoring Events: Connect with experienced professionals in the field.
- Class Meetings: Stay informed and connected with your peers.
- AAMC Careers in Medicine Activities: Access valuable resources and insights into your medical career path.
M3-M4 Years
- Group Meetings with CWRU Specialty Advisors: Get specialized guidance from experts.
- ERAS and NRMP Application Required Class Meetings: Prepare for the next steps in your medical career.
- MSPE Preparation: Ensure your application stands out.
- M4 Elective 1:1 Meetings: Receive personalized advice.
- Workshops on Personal Statements and Interviewing: Hone your application and interview skills.
- Match Panels for Couples and LGBTQ+ Students: Address unique considerations and opportunities.
We are excited to be a part of your journey and are dedicated to providing you with the tools, resources, and support you need to achieve your goals.
Best,
Offices of Student Affairs
Steve Ricanti, MD, Associate Dean of Student Affairs (University Program)
Christine Warren, MD, Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs (Lerner College Program)
Our Commitment to Student Feedback
At Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, we have always held medical student feedback as the cornerstone of continuous quality improvement efforts. Your voices, experiences, and insights are invaluable in shaping your educational journey As we continue to uphold our tradition of excellence, we are excited to emphasize the significance of medical student feedback and how we consider this input on our path to improvement.
Why is student feedback so crucial to us?
- Enhancing Learning Experiences: Your feedback guides us in refining our curriculum, teaching methodologies, and resources to ensure that your learning experiences are relevant, engaging, and effective.
- Improving Support Services: We aim to provide comprehensive support to our students, and your feedback helps us identify areas where we can enhance student services, from academic advising to mental health resources.
- Fostering Inclusivity: Your diverse perspectives enable us to create a more inclusive and culturally competent environment where every student feels valued and represented.
- Adapting to Changing Needs: The field of medicine is dynamic, and your feedback helps us adapt our program to the evolving needs of healthcare, preparing you to meet the challenges of the future.
How can students provide feedback?
We have established various channels for you to share your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions:
- Student Questionnaires: Periodic questions are conducted to gather your input on specific aspects of the program.
- Student Representatives: Our student government and representatives play a vital role in conveying your feedback to the administration.
- Open Forums: Class meetings and town halls promote engagement in direct conversations with faculty and administrators.
- Additional Opportunities: Student participation in focus groups and feedback meetings as well as the option to provide feedback to educational leadership directly.
What happens to student feedback?
- Office(s) of Evaluation: Our programs prioritize the importance of student feedback by dedicating administrative expertise in collecting, analyzing, and reporting student feedback. Evaluation professionals are responsible for continuously monitoring student feedback.
- Curriculum Committees: Faculty and staff are dedicated to reviewing and discussing student feedback regularly with the goal of identifying areas for improvement.
- Action Plans: Course/Block and Clerkship leadership are required to address student feedback in their improvement plans for the following academic year and posting these plans for student review
- Communication: Changes made based on student feedback are communicated to students using multiple methods.
We encourage each and every one of you to actively participate in these feedback mechanisms. Your input helps us steer our programs toward excellence. Rest assured that your feedback is treated with the utmost confidentiality, respect, and seriousness it deserves.
Thank you for entrusting us with your education, and for being an integral part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
With warm regards,
Kelli Qua, PhD, Assistant Professor, Director of Program Evaluation and CQI, University Program
Beth Beirer, PhD, Professor, Director of Assessment and Evaluation, Lerner College Program
Your Voice Matters: Participate in the Independent Student Analysis (ISA) Survey for LCME Accreditation
Dear students,
We believe that every student has a powerful voice, and we are committed to ensuring that the experience at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is continually improving. One vital way we work towards this is through our LCME accreditation, and we need your input to make it happen!
Understanding LCME Accreditation:
LCME stands for the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, a prestigious organization that evaluates and ensures the quality and effectiveness of medical education programs. Accreditation from LCME is a crucial recognition of the School of Medicine’s commitment to providing you with the highest standard of medical education.
The Importance of Student Feedback:
The unique perspective of students is invaluable in helping understand how to improve the educational experience. Student feedback is a cornerstone of the accreditation process, and it drives the positive changes we make. We are not just students; we are partners in the journey towards excellence.
Your Role in LCME Accreditation:
To express your thoughts and ideas effectively, we have launched the Independent Student Analysis (ISA) survey. The ISA is a required component of the accreditation process. This survey is your platform to voice your opinions and be a part of the improvement process.
Understanding the ISA Survey:
The ISA survey is an anonymous survey, designed to be easy to complete and will take just a few minutes of your time. It covers various aspects of your educational journey, including your experiences in the classroom, clinical settings, and more. Your input on these topics is essential to help us identify areas that need improvement. The ISA survey is run by a committee of students who represent various years and programs. The results of this survey are analyzed and reported by students.
ISA Survey Timeline:
The ISA survey will be open to all students from October to December. We encourage each and every one of you to participate during this time to ensure your voices are heard.
Rewards for Participation:
To thank you for your valuable feedback, every student who completes the ISA survey will receive a $10 gift card as a token of our appreciation. Additional $100 gift cards will be randomly distributed to students who completed the feedback.
Driving Improvement with Your Feedback:
The results of the ISA survey play a central role in shaping the future of medical education at Case Western Reserve University. Your feedback leads to actionable changes and ensures that the School of Medicine continues to provide a high quality educational experience.
Your participation in the ISA survey is more than just a task; it is your opportunity to be an active contributor to the growth and development of our institution. We encourage you to take this chance to make a difference and be a part of the process of making the MD program(s) even better.
Look out for further details and reminders regarding the ISA survey in your inbox, and we hope to hear from you soon!
Best,
The ISA Committee
(Adhayana Paul, Briana Rutland, Erin Sullivan, Gillian Michaelson, Jacky Chen, James Sullivan, Julia Feinstein, Lydia Cassard, Lydia DeAngelo, Mackenzie Deighen, Matthew Thompson, Michael Galetta, Natalie Hong)
July 1, 2023
LCME Survey Visit Dates Confirmed for March 2-5, 2025
The survey visit is an integral part of our ongoing accreditation. This visit offers an opportunity to observe the School of Medicine, assess its suitability for accreditation, identify potential challenges, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Prior to the site visit, the LCME will conduct a full analysis of the data collection instrument (DCI) and other information sources, including the independent student analysis (ISA). Documentation for our March 2025 visit will be submitted to the LCME no later than December 9th, 2024. We thank everyone in advance for your commitment to helping us meet these requirements.
LCME Leadership Selected
Dr. Lia Logio has been selected as the Faculty Accreditation Lead (FAL) for our upcoming reaccreditation. The FAL is a senior faculty member who is knowledgeable about the medical school and its educational program and is able to identify institutional policies and ensure participation by members of the administration, faculty, and student body before and during the survey visit. In her FAL duties, Dr. Logio will be supported by Lesa Goodman, the LCME Site Visit Coordinator (SVC), who will manage site visit logistics.