An overriding principle in shaping this program has been to create a personalized and supportive environment in which each student can reach his or her potential. This has meant putting in place specific programs (board review, faculty mentors) that provide students with a framework to achieve academic milestones and to obtain individualized career guidance. We are building on a foundation of excellence at the Technion - an institution devoted to discovery and biomedical research. The Technion is unique among international medical schools available to American and Canadian students in providing its students access to these research opportunities and in providing real incentives to encourage their participation. We recognize that there are areas of TEAMS that need work and this is a program in evolution - an evolution that will seek to keep the very best qualities of the Technion while reformatting areas that are not effective in their current format.
One purpose of this blog is to provide clear and straightforward answers to some questions about our program which are frequently asked. In this blog we will answer any and all questions that are raised concerning the program, such as
1. What was the match rate for TEAMS last year?
87% of our 2012 graduates have been accepted into residency programs.
2. What percentage of TEAMS graduates are presently enrolled in residency programs?
There have been three graduating classes of TEAMS. Over 80% of all graduates are now in residency
programs.
3. What has been the performance of TEAMS students on the USMLE exam?
95% of the graduates of 2012 passed all three parts of the USMLE exam (step 1, step 2CK and step 2CS).
4. What are some of the changes that have been made in TEAMS over the past year-and-a-half?
A) USMLE preparation: we have reformatted our curriculum to provide a more structured approach to help students prepare for the USMLE exams. For the step 1 exam this has meant unloading the course load in semester B of year 2 and introducing a board review course into the curriculum. For the step 2CK exam this has involved the widespread use of NBME shelf exams to focus student learning and facilitate preparation for this exam. For the step 2CS exam we have run this year a mock exam with the help of Prof Rachel Levine of Johns Hopkins.
B) Securing clinical rotations in the USA: We have expanded the number of places where our students may perform clinical rotations in the USA in their fourth year.
C) Career advising and adjustment to Israel: We have introduced a faculty and student mentoring program which pairs off each student from their first day in TEAMS with a faculty member who will stay with that student for all 4 years and work with the student on academic issues as well as assist in professional development. Student mentors serve to help students adjust to life in Israel. In addition, for any student who requires it, tutoring in a specific subject this is provided at no cost to the student for as much time as is needed.
D) Teaching Professionalism: We have been blessed to be able to add to our faculty Professor Beth Murinson. Prof Murinson joined our faculty a little over a year ago from Johns Hopkins Medical School where she was a real triple threat-combining not only clinical care and research but also teaching. One of her many contibutions to the TEAMS program has been the initiation of a course in the students first year focusing on medical professionalism and integrity, ethics and the role of the physician in society.
5. Where are we going and what changes will occur over the next year?
The most important change that we are currently enacting is curricular reform. This project is being spearheaded by our own TEAMS students. Our own students are taking responsibility for making their program better and they have been empowered to make real changes in the program curriculum. These changes will include moving to a block curriculum allowing improved integration of different disciplines, decreasing frontal lecture time and increasing participatory learning exercises (PBLs), and increased bedside teaching.
We would also like to see more interaction between the TEAMS programs and the Technion Israeli program which runs in parallel. Whether in a social or academic setting this integration will enhance the ability of TEAMS students to expand their circle of friends and truly enhance their stay in Israel during their tenure in medical school.
The Technion will be your home for 4 years and we want you to be part of our family. After your tenure here at the Technion we hope that you will walk away not only with a very fine medical education but also fond memories of your life here in technion and in Israel. Ultimately we hope that all of our students will return to Israel and help us improve medical care in Israel.