Call to Action: How to Create Change as a Medical Student.

Abstract

To the Editor: On day 1 of medical school, we are told to learn as though we are drinking from a fire hose of knowledge. Overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of information passing in front of us each day, few students look up from their computers to live life. Fewer still take time to consider how they might improve the lives of others. After all, we are studying to save lives. What more can be expected? But the need to keep learning more will never cease. Not as students or as physicians. There will always be more to know, more to discover. With the increasing prevalence of virtual education as well as shifts to pass/fail coursework and licensing examinations, an opportunity not previously afforded to medical students has arisen: more freedom. We have the power to individually prioritize our lives, learning, and passions. The responsibility now falls to us to use this freedom and create the change we believe our communities need. At the Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin, such projects of passion are encouraged. Each student ideates then actualizes a program to improve the school, the community, or an aspect of health care delivery. Project development starts with knowing oneself—what excites you, infuriates you, or stirs you to action? Next, we evaluate the needs of the community by speaking with local leaders. While Wausau is not a large city, the community has passion in abundance. The city’s exuberant local leaders are excited to collaborate with students and often have valuable insight about how we can help. Once a goal has been established, we form a team. We do not forge ahead alone. We find a guiding light in the form of a mentor. Mentorship is an important aspect of student projects. Students have the time and inclination to initiate change. However, we often lack requisite knowledge or experience. Mentors can be community leaders, professors, or researchers who ultimately share our excitement for the cause and are willing to help navigate the challenging aspects of project development and/or implementation. Finally, we carry projects through time. Instead of leaving a project behind upon graduation, we pass it along to a like-minded newcomer! This letter is a call to action for all medical students. With this gift of increased flexibility and freedom, we must: (1) find inspiration to improve our institutions, communities, or health care delivery systems; (2) make community connections; (3) establish a goal for change; (4) find insightful mentors; and (5) not let initiatives die. Acknowledgments: The author thanks all the wonderful Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin faculty, staff, and community mentors.