The Learning Communities program in the UAB School of Medicine gives students a home base throughout their four years of medical school. Each of the 11 communities are led in small groups by faculty mentors who teach students skills in wellness, medical student health, and others they’ll need in the practice of medicine.
Four faculty members joined the program earlier this year as new mentors for the Learning Communities. Below is Part 2 of a Q&A with two of the new mentors. Read about their motivation to join the program and why they feel the LCs are important to medical school. You can read Part 1 of this series online.
Jessica M. Fazendin, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery
Kirklin Learning Community, Birmingham Campus
Why did you want to be a part of the Learning Community Program?
I had great mentors during my time in medical school. They helped me develop into the physician I am today. It only feels right to invest in our current students and to "pay it forward."
How is the experience so far?
The other LC mentors and students have been great to work with. It is clear that this program fills a curricular need and that the platform in which it is delivered (small groups) leads to thoughtful reflection and idea-sharing in safe spaces. I love it and am really happy to be a part of it.
How is the program valuable for medical students and for teaching humanism and other concepts across the four years of medical school?
The small groups and carefully curated curriculum give the students a chance to really be heard, to express their unique experiences among their peers outside of a traditional classroom or on the wards.
Desiree E. Morgan, M.D.
Professor, UAB Department of Radiology
Barfield-Carter Learning Community, Birmingham Campus
Why did you want to be a part of the Learning Community Program?
I wanted to give back to UAB as a Learning Community mentor because as a former residency program director in Diagnostic Radiology, former vice chair for Clinical Research, and now the current vice chair for Education, I have interacted and been involved with UAB medical students for finite research projects or pieces of their education over the years. However, I wanted to share the joy of their entire journey from the first through fourth years (or more if they are M.D./Ph.D. students!) to help guide them as they mature into the physicians of tomorrow.
How is the experience so far?
The experience thus far has been terrific. August is a busy month: the students are so excited to meet one another and be introduced holistically to the privilege it is to become a physician! We just had the White Coat Ceremony- so wonderful to celebrate with the parents, family, friends, and special loved ones who helped support our medical students as they made their way here, and now through the next four or more years of challenging, yet rewarding work.
How is the program valuable for medical students and for teaching humanism and other concepts across the four years of medical school?
Prioritizing professionalism and wellness at regular intervals and with a comprehensive program throughout the standard medical education will set the stage for a lifetime of awareness of these important matters. The ultimate beneficiaries of this program—which helps hone humanism and service on top of excellent medical knowledge gained— are all of our patients.