The College of Medicine’s Student Learning Enhancement Project is redesigning the model of medical education.
By Jim Burwitz
Take a moment and think back to 1976.
Do you remember the car you drove, the clothes you wore, or the music you liked? If you’re a UICOMP graduate from the days of disco, how and where did you study for an important exam?
While styles and tastes have changed dramatically over the last three decades, it might surprise you to learn that the College of Medicine’s primary study spaces are essentially the same.
“Our campus has not seen a major update of its student learning space since the 1970s,” says Dr. Sara Rusch, UICOMP’s Regional Dean. “We need to transform our existing second-floor space into a technology-rich, service-oriented study center.”
Thanks to the efforts of dedicated community partners, faculty, staff, and alumni, the College of Medicine’s Student Learning Enhancement Project is bringing that vision to life.
An Immediate Need
With 150 medical students and 200 residents, UICOMP’s need for a state-of-the art learning environment is immediate.
“Medical education is emphasizing small-group instruction, problem-solving techniques, and case-based activities,” explains Professor and Health Sciences Librarian Jo Dorsch. “Our plan includes multi-purpose rooms suitable for individual study and student collaboration. In addition, the plan calls for a digital-learning lab that includes cutting-edge workstations, specialized software, and rich online collections.”
A key component of the project involves moving the current Caterpillar Center for Academic Technology to UICOMP’s second-floor study area within the Library of the Health Sciences. Officially dedicated in March of 1997, the Caterpillar Center for Academic Technology has been essential to Peoria’s student and resident programs. The relocation will allow Caterpillar’s generous gift to help shape a new, interactive approach to medical education.
“We’re focusing on what students need today and 10 to 20 years from now,” Dorsch explains. “We want to target the overall educational experience to a specific need.”
When it comes to student needs, comfort and convenience top the list.
“Medical students, especially second-year students, spend most of their day at the College of Medicine for lecture and then have very large amounts of information to study afterwards,” says Ingrid Kraus, a fourth-year-medical student at UICOMP. “Sometimes it’s hard to find a place in the school to study. Modern study areas would definitely make the medical school a more inviting and enjoyable place to study. I think it would also encourage students to better utilize available resources.”
The Big Picture
UICOMP’s Student Learning Enhancement Project will have long-term benefits for Central Illinois, as future physicians will receive the highest levels of instruction and training.
Generous donations from alumni and community partners have been vital to the project’s initial success. The next phase will include finalizing design plans, identifying specific equipment and software needs, and selecting furniture. However, dwindling state support throughout the College of Medicine has led to an increased dependence on philanthropy.
“This is an opportunity to make a real difference, because an investment in the Student Learning Enhancement Project is an investment in the future of medical education and healthcare,” says Susan Dunnan, UICOMP’s Director of Development. “In addition, this important project fits very nicely with the ongoing Brilliant Futures campaign, which is raising needed funds for students, faculty, research, and the overall campus environment.”
Through the contributions of key stakeholders, UICOMP will continue to change the model of medical education and enhance the quality of care throughout the region.
To make a donation to the Student Learning Enhancement Project, please call 309-671-8481 or click here.
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