Dean's Certificate of Distinction (COD) Resources for Medical Students

Certificate of Distinction in Medical Education

The Certificate of Distinction (COD) in Medical Education is designed to offer select medical students the opportunity to pursue their interests and develop their skills in aspects of medical education. One goal of the program is to help foster the next generation of leaders in medical education. The program requirements will include a combination of elective curricular and co-curricular activities, and will emphasize the development and active application of skills in education and leadership.

After completing the requirements for the Dean’s Certificate of Distinction in Medical Education, students will be able to: 

1. Incorporate educational theories, learning styles, context- and learner-level-appropriateness into planning and implementing teaching activities. 

2. Apply a variety of teaching methods that are commonly employed in medical education.

3. Complete an educational quality improvement (EQI) project using a “plan-do-study-act” (PDSA) methodology.

4. Discuss current issues in medical student education.

5. Demonstrate leadership skills in the context of curriculum projects, student interest groups and/or committees. 

Requirements for the COD fall into four areas 

1. Curricular and co-curricular activities. Students must successfully complete a medical education-related elective, online educational quality improvement (EQI) training, and attend presentations/conferences related to medical education.

2. Application and practice. Students must participate in teaching activities, as well as complete and present a project in medical education.

3. Educational Leadership Skills Development. Students must actively participate in a leadership role, and attend a series of leadership development workshops. They will also actively participate in a committee or working group related to medical education. In doing so, they will gain first-hand experience in leadership regarding managing medical student curricula and/or educational project development. 

4. Evaluation and Reflection. Students must participate in reflective discussions with a faculty mentor.  

Where to start?

Have questions? Contact the Medical Education Student Interest Group (MESIG) at mesig@hawaii.edu