How we enhanced medical academics skills and reduced social inequities using an academic teaching program

Abstract

The training of future physicians should be concurrent with the development of different skills and attitudes. This warrants the need to regularly provide students with opportunities for self-development throughout their academic career. This approach was exemplified in a medical school in the Brazilian Amazon, where students were allowed to play the role of high school teachers. As part of this exercise, they conducted reinforcement classes for high school students to increase the number of university admissions. The medical students were solely responsible for organizing and implementing this project, giving them the opportunity to develop teaching and leadership skills, enhance their understanding of communication and administration and contribute toward the society.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the entire team at the University Extension of Acre and the education professionals who over the years have helped in designing the selection tests. We also thank Mônica da Silva Nunes and Leticia Mamed, the teachers who helped us with their prompt and effective support.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.