Community-engaged medical education: helping to address child health and social inequality

Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2022 Dec;107(6):397-401. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322024. Epub 2021 Sep 30.

Abstract

Medical education has a key role in helping to address child health and social inequality. In this paper we describe the rationale for developing a community-engaged approach to education, whereby medical schools partner with local communities. This symbiotic relationship enables medical students to experience authentic learning through working with communities to address local health and social priorities. Case studies of how such approaches have been implemented are described, with key takeaway points for paediatric healthcare professionals wanting to develop community-engaged educational initiatives.

Keywords: child health; child health services; paediatrics; primary health care.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Health*
  • Community Participation
  • Education, Medical*
  • Humans
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stakeholder Participation