Intervention: We describe a novel, project-based, student-driven medical education initiative, the Special Projects Team, which is focused on identifying opportunities for forward-looking curricular enhancements beyond single courses or rotations. We adapted and implemented the lean startup method, a model for project management, in order to address the need for organization and accountability in the Special Projects Team. Members of the Special Projects Team were recruited from the first- and second-year medical school classes in the 2018-2020 academic years and provided with training on the lean startup method. Team members selected and pursued projects according to the principles of lean startup method, reporting their progress to the chair of the Special Projects Team and other team members at monthly meetings with pre-defined structure.
The Lean Startup.epub
Impact: The projects initiated as part of the Special Projects Team covered a broad range of themes, including curricular evaluation, technology, and student experiences. Lean startup method contributed to sustained project success and frequent reassessment across the two years of our experience, with aggregate project success or continuation rate of 68.4% (13/19 projects). We further demonstrate how lean startup method increased productivity while providing structure and accountability for a student-led medical education team.
Lessons learned: Lean startup method can be used to structure student-driven, project-based curricular enhancements. This approach is broadly applicable to other medical schools with implementation requiring only a motivated student team, faculty advisor, and basic knowledge of the lean startup method. 2ff7e9595c
Comments