Curricular Interventions in Medical Schools: Maximizing Community Engagement Through Communities of Practice

This article explains the importance of a communities of practice (CoP) model for continually aligning medical education and clinical transformation with contemporary health issues. It describes the evolution and advantages of using CoP as a model for transforming medical education and clinical practice and applies the CoP methodology to addressing the changing needs of socially vulnerable populations (LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning], persons experiencing homelessness, and migrant farm workers). In conclusion, this article describes CoP-led activities, achievements, and value creation in medical education by the National Center for Medical Education Development and Research established at the Meharry Medical College. Key words: communities of practice; primary care; medical education, systematic review; vulnerable populations, LGBTQ https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2925
INTRODUCTION Given the rapid changes in the demographic, social, and personal health landscapes, the health care sector needs to continually update and reinvent itself to meet the evolving needs of [...]