Implementing Public Health Modules as an Approach to Improve Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical Students: A Student-Led, Multiyear Study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Public health is a necessary focus of modern medical education. However, while numerous studies demonstrate benefits of public health education during medical school among self-selected students (i.e., those interested in public health), there are few educational models shown to be effective across the general medical student population. This study examined the effect of a multiyear, case-based, longitudinal online public health curriculum required for all medical students at an urban, research-focused U.S. medical school. Method The authors created 11 short public health modules to supplement a year-long, organ-based preclerkship course at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Beginning in 2020, all students were required to complete these modules, with repeated surveys to assess changes in attitudes and knowledge of public health over time. The authors compared responses for these domains before and after each module, across multiple time points throughout the year, and cross-sectionally to a 2019 cohort of students who were not provided the modules. Results Across 3 cohorts, 405 of 420 (96.4%) students provided responses and were included in subsequent analyses. After completing the modules, students reported perceiving a greater importance of public health to nearly every medical specialty (P < .001), more positive attitudes toward public health broadly (P < .001), and increased knowledge of public health content (P < .001). These findings were consistent across longitudinal analysis of students throughout the year-long course and when compared to the cohort who did not complete the modules. Conclusions Case-based, interactive, and longitudinal public health content can be effectively integrated into the required undergraduate medical education curriculum to improve all medical students’ knowledge and perceptions of public health. Incorporating evidence-based public health education into medical training may help future physicians to better address the needs of the communities and populations in which they practice.