Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Abstract

Abstract Background: Early clinical exposure plays a critical role in shaping medical student interest, and therefore choice in medical specialty. Traditional curricula offer limited opportunities for hands-on engagement with cardiovascular decision-making and procedures. Simulation-based education may address this gap by providing immersive, low-risk learning experiences. Methods: An internal medicine resident and Cardiology fellow led, faculty-supported simulation curriculum was developed for third- and fourth-year medical students using a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory. Two 75-minute sessions were conducted over a two-month period, with a total of 27 students participating. The first session included a focused electrocardiography didactic emphasizing ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) recognition, followed by two stations: (1) hands-on coronary access simulation involving wiring and catheter advancement into the left main and right coronary arteries using a state of the art Cardiac Catheterization model, and (2) real-time review of cardiac catheterization films highlighting coronary anatomy and differences between right and left systems. The second session emphasized clinical reasoning and acute cardiac care. Students participated in a high-fidelity simulation involving a hospitalized patient with acute chest pain progressing to cardiogenic shock, requiring recognition of STEMI, initiation of guideline-directed therapy, and early management decisions. A parallel station reinforced interpretation of coronary angiography. Results: Twenty-two students completed post-session feedback surveys. Overall responses were overwhelmingly positive, with 55% of learners reporting increased interest in internal medicine and cardiology, 90% reported increased understanding of cardiology concepts, and enhanced confidence in approaching acute cardiac scenarios. 95% of respondents reported they would strongly recommend these sessions to their fellow medical students. Conclusions: Simulation-based education is a feasible, cost effective, and highly engaging approach to exposing medical students to IM and cardiology. Such programs may serve as effective tools for early specialty exploration, mentorship, and recruitment into IM and cardiology.

Comments

American College of Physicians Michigan Chapter and Society of Hospital Medicine Michigan Chapter 2026 Resident and Medical Student Day, May 1, 2026, Troy, MI

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