Student leadership and activism for social change in the US.
As the US health-care system continues on a path toward greater patient and provider dissatisfaction and decreasing access to primary health services, there is a growing need for leadership among tomorrow's health professionals. Students of today must acquire the skills to lead the United States toward solutions that will offer universal access and eliminate disparities. As examined in the US, there are two main modes for students to learn these meaningful skills; curriculum- and institution-based leadership development and organization-based leadership development. In this paper we review these two methods from an American perspective and discuss ways that educational institutions can support student leadership development. In addition, we address ways in which non-governmental organizations can provide opportunities to foster student leadership. Lastly, we offer recommendations for US policy change at institutional, local, state, and national levels to help achieve the goals stated above.
Grande
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American Medical Students Association, USA.
Srinivas
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