Team-Based Learning Intervention to Improve Obesity Education in Medical School

Date of Review: July, 2024

This team-based learning resource on obesity education is directed to first year medical students, but could easily be utilized for learners at other levels and in other disciplines. For example, it could be integrated into a primary care clerkship at a medical/physician assistant school level or a preventive care rotation during residency. The two-part curriculum consists of two-hour sessions guiding learners through key facts about obesity epidemiology and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The powerpoint presentations are interactive and would be easy to implement. There are accompanying handouts so students can take home core concepts for future reference. The authors highlighted that a key challenge was addressing intrinsic bias to obesity among learners. Although the content could be taught by anyone with a background of preventive care, they recommended having at least one faculty with expertise in obesity available to address learner concerns. A major component of the didactics is highlighting person-first language! This focus helps prepare facilitators for potential “sticky” points during discussions. –Emily Olson, MD, NCEAS

Corresponding Author’s Email:

ato8@case.edu

Institution:

Case Western University

Where was the Curriculum Implemented:

Cleveland, OH

Clinical specialty:

Family and Community Medicine, Internal Medicine

Outcomes that Have Been Reported for the Curriculum:

Self-reported learner attitude

Self-reported learner knowledge

Outcome and Study Design:

Pre/Post

Level of Learner Assessment

Appreciation of content/attitude assessment (self-reflection, blogging with rubric)

Knowledge Acquisition (MCQ, IRAT, GRAT)