Miller School of Medicine Faculty and Students Take Center Stage at Learn Serve Lead 2024
Article Summary
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine faculty members, students and staff showcased important contributions to medical education at Learn Serve Lead 2024, the flagship conference of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
- Associate dean for curriculum Dr. Gauri Agarwal noted the importance of using artificial intellgence in a way that focuses on shared humanity.
- Fourth-year medical student Lynn Leveille discussed the significance of holistic student support on the part of medical schools.
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine faculty members, students and staff showcased important contributions to medical education at Learn Serve Lead 2024, the flagship conference of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The event brought together thousands of academic medicine professionals from across the nation to advance excellence in medical education.
Scenes from Learn Serve Lead 2024
AI Applications in Curriculum
Gauri Agarwal, B.S. ’96, M.D. ’00, associate dean for curriculum and associate professor of medicine and medical education at the Miller School, addressed one of the most pressing topics at the conference: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine.
She encouraged her colleagues to embrace the transformative impact of technology, explaining that AI is redefining the role of physicians from solely a source of medical knowledge to one that focuses on understanding the cultural, social and environmental factors that influence patient outcomes. In this new era, AI doesn’t diminish the role of doctors. It refocuses on shared humanity.
This connection, Dr. Agarwal emphasized, is precisely the point.
“We need to train our students to not only use these tools but to critically evaluate and question them,” Dr. Agarwal said. “This generation of physicians-in-training will play a pivotal role in ensuring AI fosters, rather than hinders, the physician-patient relationship.”
Dr. Agarwal also highlighted an innovative educational initiative designed to prepare the next generation of physicians for this evolving landscape. She introduced a groundbreaking online module and in-person curriculum that will soon be available to medical schools nationwide. The curriculum, which integrates medical humanities with AI, is required for all first-year medical students at the Miller School. Through reflective exercises, students explore their uniquely human skills and qualities that AI cannot replicate to develop a deeper understanding of their role in a technology-enhanced health care system.
Shifting Medical Education: The Power of a Holistic Student Approach
Fourth-year medical student Lynn Leveille also presented to a packed ballroom about the significance of holistic student support, which she and collaborating colleagues from other medical schools define as a “comprehensive approach to supporting medical students’ overall well-being and success.”
The shift toward a holistic model is a response to the evolving demands on medical students and the changing landscape of medical education. No longer is rote memorization or classroom-based learning sufficient. Instead, students must integrate knowledge of new technologies, adapt to competency-based assessments and navigate the multifaceted challenges of becoming future-ready physicians.
During the session, Leveille highlighted innovative approaches to holistic support including utilizing a “just culture model” in addressing issues of professionalism and implementing a comprehensive United States Medical Licensing Examination® readiness pathway.
“This approach fosters a dynamic dialogue and helps build trust and empathy between faculty and students, as well as within the organization,” said Leveille.
Since the launch of its groundbreaking NextGenMD curriculum, the Miller School has remained at the forefront of medical education innovation. Its holistic approach is no exception, ensuring the school is embracing new teaching methodologies, reimagining how knowledge is delivered and actively involving students in policy and program development.
Leveille underscored the importance of supporting students not just academically but also emotionally and professionally.
“Educators must anticipate learners’ challenges and meet them where they are,” she said. “This approach truly instills confidence in students during what can be an isolating and often uncertain time.”
Poster Presentations and Awards
Meanwhile, a group of Miller School students and Hilit Mechaber, M.D. ’95, an associate professor of medical education and senior associate dean for student affairs, presented a poster highlighting the transformative impact of the Organization of Student Representatives (OSR) at the Miller School. The OSR, which is the student branch of the AAMC, empowers medical students to influence academic medicine both locally and nationally. Representatives are selected by the deans and academic leadership of their respective medical schools and serve four-year terms, contributing to meaningful initiatives and advocacy.
“Our poster showcases tangible results from our involvement in OSR and illustrates the difference students can make within their own schools,” said Hannah Mosher, a second-year medical student. “This organization amplifies students’ voices on a national platform, and we want to inspire others to get involved.”
The value of this engagement is underscored by the data. One-hundred percent of Miller School alumni who participated in OSR reported that the experience had a significant, positive impact on their medical school journey.
One major initiative born from OSR participation is the Wellness Advisory Council. Now in its seventh year, the council designs programs and initiatives that address a variety of well-being needs, supporting students’ personal health, wellness and professional development.
Current OSR representatives at the Miller School include Lynn Leveille (fourth year), Hallie Remer (third year), Rachel Lin (fourth year) and Hannah Mosher (second year).
Notably, OSR faculty representative Dr. Mechaber was also recognized by the AAMC for her service to the Group on Student Affairs, which collaborates with medical schools to improve the medical education environment for learners. She recently wrapped up her role as president of the group.
“This leadership journey has been the highlight of my career in academic medicine and student affairs,” said Dr. Mechaber, who received the 2024 GSA Award for Exemplary Service.
Miami Spice: Where Miami Meets Atlanta
As the second day of the conference concluded, Learn Serve Lead 2024 attendees were invited to the Miller School’s annual reception, Miami Spice. More than 800 conference-goers stepped onto the breathtaking patio of the Signia by Hilton Atlanta, transformed into a vibrant tropical paradise accentuated by the iconic University of Miami orange and green.
Sparkling lights twinkled overhead, palms swayed gently in the breeze and attendees embraced the opportunity to unwind and connect with their academic medicine colleagues.
“Thank you for your dedication to upholding excellence in academic medicine,” Henri Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School of Medicine, told attendees. “This work is truly transforming the future of health care and medical education nationwide, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of our shared efforts in the coming year.”
Tags: artificial intelligence, Dean Henri Ford, Dr. Gauri Agarwal, Learn Serve Lead, medical education, medical students, NextGenMD, student leadership, student research