The Future of Academic Medicine

• Despina ("Debi") Dalton, MD, MBA, RPh, CPE, FAAP, FACHE – Hospital CMO-VP of Medical Affairs, Wellstar Health System Past Chair Georgia Composite Medical Board – President, Medical Association of Georgia
• Shelley Nuss ,MD?– Founding Dean, University of Georgia School of Medicine
• Geeta Swamy ,MD?– Associate Vice President for Research, Vice Dean for Scientific Integrity, Duke University School of Medicine
• Sandra Wong, MD– Dean, Emory University School of Medicine

?Summary

The panel discusses the future of academic medicine, focusing on physician shortages, curriculum changes, technology integration, and improving access to care.

?Highlights

• Physician Shortage: Acknowledges the nationwide issue and emphasizes the need for more medical schools and residency programs.
• Curriculum Innovations: Medical schools are evolving teaching methods to incorporate technology and active learning.
• Access to Care: Highlights the importance of addressing healthcare deserts and improving coordination among providers.
• Technology Integration: AI and telehealth are reshaping patient care and education in medical schools.
• Research Funding: Discusses the challenges of funding research and the importance of partnerships between academia and industry.
• Community Engagement: Emphasizes the role of medical education in fostering a sense of service and community among future physicians.
• Mentorship Importance: Stresses the significance of mentorship in guiding medical students toward their chosen specialties.

?Key Insights

• Addressing Physician Shortage: The panel emphasizes the urgent need to expand medical education and residency opportunities to combat the physician shortage, especially in underserved areas. The focus on creating more medical schools and residency slots can have a lasting impact on healthcare access.
• Evolving Curriculum: With rapid advancements in technology, medical schools must adapt their curriculums to include active learning and critical thinking, preparing students for modern healthcare challenges and patient interactions.
• Improving Access to Care: The discussion highlights the critical need for strategies to address healthcare deserts and enhance coordination among healthcare providers, aiming to ensure timely and equitable access to care for all patients.
• Role of Technology and AI: Incorporating AI and telehealth into medical training can improve efficiency and patient care. These technologies can assist in diagnostics and patient management, allowing for a more streamlined approach to healthcare delivery.
• Research and Funding Challenges: The need for diversified funding sources for research is crucial. Collaborations between academic institutions and industry can drive innovation and ensure that research translates into practical healthcare solutions.
• Community and Service Focus: Instilling a sense of service in medical students through community engagement initiatives can enhance their commitment to improving healthcare in their communities and foster long-term patient relationships.
• Mentorship and Exposure: Effective mentorship and early exposure to various specialties are essential for guiding medical students in their career paths, ultimately leading to a more satisfied and dedicated workforce in the healthcare sector.