Rx for Success: Clerkship Edition prepares students for the next step

Third-year medical students participate in a workshop designed to help them transition to clinical clerkships.

On Friday, June 27, the Whiddon College of Medicine launched its first-ever Rx for Success: Clerkship Edition, a one-day workshop designed to equip rising third-year medical students with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to thrive in their clinical clerkships. Fifty-five M3 students took part in the inaugural program, which, like its predecessor Rx for Success for incoming M1s, was entirely voluntary. The strong turnout reflected students’ eagerness to prepare for one of the most pivotal transitions in medical training.

The program was a collaborative effort of the Division of Medical Education, the Whiddon COM Simulation Program, the Office of Student Affairs, and the Office of Accreditation and Planning’s Academic Success Team. Together, these groups designed a day that blended evidence-based learning strategies with practical skill-building and peer teaching. 

“This program was intentionally developed using research and data on medical student success,” said David Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success. “We know that transition points in medical school can be especially challenging, so creating programming that eases these moments and equips students to thrive is central to our mission.”

A standout feature of the day was the involvement of 14 M4 student volunteers, who guided their M3 peers through discussions, skill stations, and reflection exercises. Their insights and encouragement helped bridge the gap between pre-clinical and clinical training. Sessions included Learning Science & Self-Management in Clinical Settings, Interpreting Feedback, and a lunch & learn that highlighted resources available during the third year. Students explored ways to balance time, apply proven learning strategies, and make the most of faculty and peer feedback in clinical environments.

The afternoon centered on hands-on learning in the Whiddon COM Simulation Lab. Students practiced head-to-toe physical exams with standardized patients and sharpened essential clinical skills such as knot tying, suturing, and sterile technique. “The simulation lab experience gave students the chance to practice, make mistakes, and learn in a safe environment before stepping into real clinical settings,” said Laura Boatright, M.D., assistant dean for medical education and director of clinical skills. “That hands-on readiness is invaluable.” A Pre-Rounding by Specialty session added further preparation by offering clerkship-specific insights from both faculty and upper-level students.

The day concluded with reflection, as students revisited questions they had posed to themselves at the start of the program, tying their new skills and insights into their longitudinal learning plans. “Supporting students through transitions is a responsibility I take seriously as both a teacher and a clerkship director,” noted Anna Foust, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics, and internal medicine clerkship director. “Because I work across multiple phases of the curriculum, I see how important it is to build continuity. Programs like this one create a smoother path for our students and strengthen their readiness for clinical learning.”

Wellness was also emphasized throughout the day. Becky Smith, Ph.D., director of COM health and wellness, reminded students of the importance of caring for themselves as they step into the demanding environment of clinical training. “Clerkships can be both exciting and stressful, and it is essential for students to have strategies to protect their well-being,” Smith said. “Being proactive about wellness not only helps students manage the challenges of medical school but also models the balance and resilience they will need as future physicians.”

The inaugural Rx for Success: Clerkship Edition underscores the Whiddon College of Medicine’s commitment to preparing students for every stage of their training, Williams said, and is planned to be offered again next year.