Medical Student Idealism

I just returned from making several presentations at the Annual Meeting of AMSA, the American Medical Student Association, in Washington D.C. Over 1,000 students from across the nation converged on DC for four days of seminars, lobbying, and networking. I feel recharged from the experience as I soaked up some of their idealism and energy!! Even the theme of the meeting ,Take Back our Profession,had a certain positive edginess to it. The students who met with me were focused on leadership, specifically, what are the skill sets necessary to become a leader. We agreed that medical education does not really provide leadership training, at exactly the time that we need it the most. We reviewed the many opportunities that now exist to get a second degree during medical school, such as an MPH or an MBA. Of course, I spent time talking about our new Jefferson School of Population Health and the unique opportunities to pursue a masters degree in health care quality and safety, as well as degrees in public health and health policy. They were intrigued and asked scores of questions about these new programs too. In the end, I came away with a great feeling that there is indeed hope for the future and that some medical students are still idealistic and willing to work for the greater good. I think our new programs will add to the options available and will enhance the leadership model for students.Good leaders prepare the leaders of tomorrow!! AMSA is a good example of this kind of positive role modeling behavior. We should do more to emulate these programs at every medical school. I hope some medical school deans are listening carefully. Thanks for your continued listening too. DAVID NASH