Medical Education Research

Medical education research focuses on systematic evaluation of practices to train future health care professionals— from developing innovative teaching methods to evaluating outcomes that shape learner competence, empathy and professional growth. The Central Michigan University College of Medicine is deeply committed to advancing medical education research as a core part of its mission to prepare compassionate, evidence-based physicians who serve diverse communities.

The Central Michigan University College of Medicine has established the Medical Education Scholarship Guild, a peer-led group comprising faculty from various disciplines, expertise and areas of focus within medical education research. This group aims to support all medical education scholarship projects from conceptualization to pre-submission review.  Guild meetings are a place to discuss emerging ideas, troubleshoot research project development, promote collaboration, and foster skills development. For more information about the group please contact Brianne Lewis, Ph.D.

Medical Education Scholarship Guild Members

Current projects

Project name: Healthcare Education Engaging Disability Studies (HEEDS) program
Principal investigator: Neli Ragina, Ph.D., M.Sc.

The HEEDS program is an interprofessional, research-driven curriculum designed to enhance learners’ understanding, communication, and empathy toward people with disabilities. Supported by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, HEEDS integrates standardized patients with lived experience, community partnerships, and longitudinal assessments, producing measurable improvements in students’ attitudes and skills. Through programs like HEEDS, CMU College of Medicine exemplifies how medical education research can drive innovation, equity and excellence in health care education.