Teaching leadership through small group teaching: an instructional approach for undergraduate medical education

Abstract

Background: Leadership in medical education is seen as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. In recent years, undergraduate programs have started to incorporate leadership training as part of the curriculum to enhance the quality of education. This rapid communication to outlines the need to teach leadership at the undergraduate level and proposes a small group teaching based strategy that could be utilized to prepare future leaders in the field of medicine.

Methods: This rapid communication has proposed an instructional strategy for embedding leadership development in undergrad medical education using small group teaching which is a novel teaching method. The approach draws evidence from leadership education and active learning literature and outlines practical strategies including problem-based learning, group discussions, role play, peer feedback and reflective exercises. This is not an empirical research study but an educational innovation based on existing literature and educational practices.

Results: The proposed approach is expected to support development of leadership related competencies including teamwork, communication and reflective practices.

Conclusion: Teaching leadership through appropriate strategies at the undergraduate stage can produce competent professionals and future leaders, thereby improving the quality of healthcare delivery.