Date of Award

January 2026

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Medical Doctor (MD)

Department

Medicine

First Advisor

Andrew Jimenez

Abstract

Background / Scientific Premise: Musculoskeletal medicine is underrepresented in medical education in the United States and internationally; however, it represents an increasingly critical area of patient care. Educational initiatives targeting this area of medicine are complex given its interdisciplinary nature and the challenges faced when adding new material to medical curricula. The application of medical education principles to tackle this challenge remains an area open for further investigation in terms of efficacy and reported student experience.

Research Aims: This research aims to understand the needs for improved MSK education at Yale School of Medicine, design an intervention to address the needs identified and evaluate the intervention’s efficacy.

Hypothesis or Question: How does the experience of students participating in a novel, interdisciplinary, didactic musculoskeletal medicine elective impact the knowledge and confidence of medical students at Yale School of Medicine?

Methods / Approach: A general and focused needs assessment will be conducted. Kern’s 6-steps to curriculum design and backward curriculum design will be used to design an elective. Mixed-methods sequential explanatory design will be used to evaluate the efficacy of the course and implement improvements for subsequent offerings of the elective. Research validated tools, including the MSK30, OSCE sessions and confidence scales, will provide quantitative information. Additional outcomes data will be collected qualitatively to understand the electives’ benefits and weakness throughout the course and after its completion through a focus group. Ongoing data collection can be re-evaluated with future updates to the curriculum for iterative improvement of the elective.

Results: Musculoskeletal medicine is underrepresented internationally, nationally and at Yale School of Medicine. The development of a new elective addressing those needs by using Kern’s 6-steps for curriculum development and backward curriculum design can incorporate unique educational experiences with a strong educational structure. Both elective participants and controls value musculoskeletal education and desire greater training in this area. Participants and controls achieved similar results on knowledge and skill assessments, but confidence in diagnosis and treatment improved for elective participants. Meta-inferences highlighted the importance of tailored education for students. Notably, the incorporation of goal setting, physical exam practice, near-peer teaching, observation training, and focused educational goals, were highlights for students when addressing this educational gap.

Statement of Scientific Impact and Relevance: A novel musculoskeletal medicine elective for medical students improved students’ confidence in diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Strong educational framework and principles, when combined with novel educational strategies—including hands-on training, spaced repetition and interdisciplinary collaboration—were highlights for the participants and instructors when teaching musculoskeletal medicine in a contemporary medical education setting.

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This is an Open Access Thesis.

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