College of Medicine and Life Sciences - Office of Student Affairs (OSA)

OSA is innovating how medical students learn about medical careers so they are better prepared to navigate a changing residency and medical practice landscape. Specifically, the project aims to (1) use effective technology to increase student engagement, (2) encourage more self-directed and collaborative career learning, and (3) develop career learning  competencies to guide curriculum development and provide benchmarks for evaluation.

Initiatives currently in progress include reviewing best practices in curricular integration of career advising, participating in the AAMC Pivio pilot program, and developing a digital collaborative platform for learning about and preparing for the residency match process.

Service learning is a structured learning experience that combines community service with preparation and reflection. Our students engage in service learning to provide service in response to community-identified concerns, and to form connections between their service and academic coursework and their roles as citizens and professionals. There are various opportunities available to UTCOM students throughout all years of their medical education.

Projects currently underway include an expansion of the New Student Orientation Service Learning Initiative, a feasibility study for a fourth year service learning elective, and establishment of a "service learning intensive" designation for preclinical electives.