To describe the development and pilot evaluation of NeuEJM: a virtual, regional, monthly Neurology Medical Education Journal Club.
To address a rising interest in medical education research and scholarship in neurology, we launched a faculty development opportunity called NeuEJM: the Neurology Medical Education Journal Club. Objectives of NeuEJM were for participants to (1) review and discuss research articles in neurology education, (2) critically appraise educational methods, and (3) meet, network with, and build a community of like-minded peers.
Launched in 2023, NeuEJM hosts free, virtual, hour-long monthly journal clubs via Zoom for neurology trainees and faculty at our institution and from the north-eastern US. A presenter selects a relevant article and leads a discussion and critical appraisal of the study. Participants are emailed the article in advance and CME is granted. We conducted an end-of-year survey in June 2024 and monthly end-of-session surveys from July onwards. We describe session attendance, topics, and participant feedback which guided changes in 2024.
Since October 2024, 12 sessions have been held, with an average of 6 participants (range 4-10), including medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty. Topics include videos in movement disorders teaching, supporting learner differences, social media-based education, pre-rounding, and others. Seven participants completed the 2024 survey. All agreed NeuEJM met its three objectives and offered a safe learning environment. Most (46%) participated to learn about research methods or meet peers (46%). Participants appreciated the informal discussion format, meeting cadence, and virtual option, but requested further methodological discussion. In response to the survey, we offered a session with a medical librarian and a career development series in 2024. To broaden access, recorded sessions are now also posted online.
NeuEJM offers an innovative approach to improving knowledge and skills in education research and scholarship for neurology educators, while supporting a community of like-minded peers.