A learner-led conference to enhance interdisciplinary social accountability education in healthcare: participant perspectives on engagement and educational experience

Authors

  • Meera Chopra University of Toronto https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1283-3951
  • Rebecca Wong Western University
  • Reeya Kothari McMaster University
  • Yevin Cha University of Toronto
  • Mohammad Jay University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.81393

Abstract

Implication Statement

We developed the Interdisciplinary Social Accountability Conference in Healthcare to address educational gaps and empower learners to advocate for healthcare needs. This conference aimed to strengthen social accountability competencies in students through three areas: (1) a learner-led planning model that promotes initiative-taking and leadership, (2) interactive sessions on locally relevant topics, and (3) a student research showcase to foster interdisciplinary dialogue. Survey findings demonstrated high engagement and positive experiences with cross-disciplinary networking. We encourage institutions to adopt similar learner-led initiatives, facilitating students to take an active role in shaping social accountability education and supporting attendees in gaining practical skills through workshops on locally-relevant issues. These initiatives will equip learners with the collaborative mindset and skills required to improve health outcomes in their communities.

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References

1. Andermann A. Taking action on the social determinants of health in clinical practice: A framework for health professionals. CMAJ. 2016;188(17-18):E474–E483. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.160177.

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5. Department of Family & Community Medicine. Social Accountability. University of Toronto. Available from: https://dfcm.utoronto.ca/social-accountability. Accessed 15 Mar 2025.

6. Grymonpre RE, Bainbridge L, Nasmith L, Baker C. Development of accreditation standards for interprofessional education: a Canadian Case Study. Hum Resour Health 2021;19(12):1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-020-00551-2.

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Published

2025-11-17

How to Cite

1.
Chopra M, Wong R, Kothari R, Cha Y, Jay M. A learner-led conference to enhance interdisciplinary social accountability education in healthcare: participant perspectives on engagement and educational experience. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 17 [cited 2025 Dec. 4];. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/81393

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