A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.
Authors:
Asfand B. Moosa, BS
Isabel Martinez Leal, PhD, MPH
Brian J. Carter, JD
Tzuan A. Chen, PhD
Monisha Arya, MD, MPH
Hinal Patel, BDS, MPH
Denise De La Cruz, EdD
Hannah Wani, BS
Anastasia Rogova, PhD
Mhyank S. Sekhar
Lorraine R. Reitzel, PhD, FAAHB, FSRNT
Objective:
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Addressing these disparities requires a workforce skilled in tobacco addiction research and intervention. The STRONGER Scholar Program trains medical students in tobacco dependence research and treatment and its intersection with health equity to meet workforce needs.
Methods:
Medical students (n = 7; national catchment) participated in the 10-week program. Scholars developed tobacco-related research projects with a faculty mentor and participated in interdisciplinary programming, including tobacco treatment specialist training, sessions linking research knowledge to clinical practice, and a health promotion campaign masterclass. We used mixed methods for program evaluation of this first scholar cohort.
Results:
Scholars showed gains in all targeted constructs and reported high satisfaction with programming, strongly agreeing that it advanced understanding of how research connects with clinical practice. Scholars praised the health promotion campaign masterclass and other innovative program components. Qualitative findings supported quantitative results.
Conclusions:
This pilot study of the STRONGER Scholar Program showed promise in preparing a physician-scientist workforce to address patients’ tobacco use through research-informed practice and yielded information for future improvement. Results and lessons learned can inform the design of other research education programs.
Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.13.1.2