Curricular Interventions in Medical Schools: Maximizing Community Engagement Through Communities of Practice

Abstract

This article explains the importance of a communities of practice (CoP) model for continually aligning medical education and clinical transformation with contemporary health issues. It describes the evolution and advantages of using CoP as a model for transforming medical education and clinical practice and applies the CoP methodology to addressing the changing needs of socially vulnerable populations (LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning], persons experiencing homelessness, and migrant farm workers). In conclusion, this article describes CoP-led activities, achievements, and value creation in medical education by the National Center for Medical Education Development and Research established at the Meharry Medical College.

Obstacles and Opportunities on the Path to Improving Health Professions Education and Practice: Lessons From HRSA’s Academic Units for Primary Care Training and Enhancement

“…Several articles in this supplement provide examples of communities of practice, or learning communities, applied to diverse primary care-related areas including promoting cross-disciplinary partnering between dentistry and primary care, 13 increasing research and scholarship in rural primary care programs, 19 accelerating the integration of oral health into primary care training program curricula, 14 increasing the number of primary care professionals providing oral health services, 20 addressing social determinants of health in health professions education, 21 and increasing community engagement in undergraduate medical education. 22 Collectively, these researchers explore varied facets of how these communities are formed and function, and the goals they can achieve in changing educational and clinical practices.…”