The Institute of Medicine states, “Educating health professionals in and with communities negatively affected by the social determinants of health can generate awareness among those professionals about the potential root causes of ill health, contributing to more effective strategies for improving health and health care for underserved individuals, communities, and populations…” Community-based service-learning has been shown repeatedly to increase students’ awareness and understanding of the social determinants of health.
This CLSM course provides a structured learning experience that combines community service with preparation and reflection. This 4 year curriculum begins with a preparation and action phases over the first 3 semesters of medical school with a total of 66 course contact hours. There are additional, advanced training and activities during clinical years. Learners work with over 50 community based organizations/ partners focused on one of four underserved or disadvantaged populations including elderly, disabled, poverty, and immigrant/ refugee populations. The curriculum utilizes all of the core components of service learning including preparation, action, and reflection.
This CLSM course provides a structured learning experience that combines community service with preparation and reflection. This 4 year curriculum begins with a preparation and action phases over the first 3 semesters of medical school with a total of 66 course contact hours. There are additional, advanced training and activities during clinical years. Learners work with over 50 community based organizations/ partners focused on one of four underserved or disadvantaged populations including elderly, disabled, poverty, and immigrant/ refugee populations. The curriculum utilizes all of the core components of service learning including preparation, action, and reflection.
Emory Social Medicine Service Learning Curriculum | |
Preparation (didactic lectures & small group discussion) | Concepts and Questions Why and how is this our role? (Intro to social medicine) How do I learn about a community? (Community survey, race/bias/ privilege, poverty, culture) How do I find out what a community needs/identify projects? (Needs assessments) How do I partner with a community/engagement? (Community engagement, building on assets/ identifying resources, humility) How do I assess the work I’m doing? How do I advocate for larger changes? |
Action w/ community partners | Engagement and direct service activities – learners from 4 Emory societies work with identified community partners longitudinally over 4 years to identify assets, opportunities and develop health related programs based on community feedback/ input |
Reflection | Sample reflections: Journaling, photo journaling, small group discussions, scrapbooks, brief documentary |