The Opioid Awareness and Support Team: an innovative example of medical education and community partnership

Abstract

Implication Statement The Opioid Awareness and Support Team (OAST) at the Memorial University Faculty of Medicine is a novel student-led initiative designed to supplement medical student learning related to opioid use disorder and the opioids crisis. OAST has focused on grounding educational initiatives related to opioid use disorder in the local community context, working with community partners, and bringing in individuals with lived experience. We present initial findings from an Opioid Education Day that suggest student-led supplemental education for medical students can improve student knowledge surrounding opioid use.

Education decision making at medical schools: there must be a better way

“…The Opioid Awareness and Support Team: an innovative example of medical education and community partnership by Downer et al 21 described a student-led initiative related to education on opioid use disorder through an Opioid Education Day with workshops by community partners. Their initial feedback suggests that medical students can benefit from supplemental learning surrounding opioid use.…”