Advocating with Community: A Community-Engaged Advocacy Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Background

In 2022, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education updated its competencies for residents in all specialties to include health policy advocacy. A recent systematic review shows that while a growing number of residency curricula include policy advocacy, few programs join in policy advocacy efforts with community partners.

Aim

To create a community-engaged advocacy curriculum for residents that is part of a mutually beneficial partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs).

Setting

A university-affiliated residency program and CBOs within a large US city.

Participants

Eighty internal medicine residents and local CBO clients and staff.

Program Description

The curriculum was delivered over 2 years and included advocacy skills sessions, service learning and reflection at the CBOs, and direct policy advocacy.

Program Evaluation

Residents and CBO partners were surveyed to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Residents perceived that the program enhanced their confidence and skills in community engagement and policy advocacy. All CBO staff agreed that the partnership advanced the CBO’s mission, residents’ volunteering provided beneficial service, and residents had a meaningful impact on their advocacy efforts.

Discussion

Our community-engaged advocacy curriculum successfully met its aims and has contributed to policy change. Future directions include building a statewide coalition of residents and CBOs.