NEOMED Awards Strategic Initiative Funding to Strengthen Student Success on Multiple-Choice Examinations

In support of the advancement of the 2030 Strategic Plan, NEOMED leadership has awarded Strategic Initiative Funding (SIF) to support A Systematic Approach to Improving Health Professions Student Performance on Multiple-Choice Question Examinations, a proposal submitted by Dr. Amy Wilson-Delfosse, Dr. Jennifer Hillyer, Dr. Seth Brownlee, Craig Theissen, and Dr. Kristin Victoroff.  

The proposal aims to enhance student readiness for high-stakes assessments across the University addressing barriers through precision coaching and faculty development. 

Project Launch and Strong Participation 

The initiative was launched in early December with a two-day visit from Dr. Michael Terao of Georgetown University School of Medicine. Campus engagement was strong, with about 70 attendees at the Institute for Teaching Excellence plenary, 30 faculty participating in small-group workshops, and six College of Medicine faculty completing an intensive four-hour training to become NEOMED’s first MCQ Coaching Ambassadors. 

Next Steps: Coaching Begins in January 

Beginning in January, the six trained COM faculty will begin direct coaching and applying their newly trained skills. Outcome data will be gathered throughout the spring term, with early indicators expected by the end of the academic year. Long-term, this initiative will help establish a sustainable network of faculty experts in MCQ coaching across all colleges. 

Strategic Impact 

This initiative aligns with NEOMED’s strategic goals by strengthening faculty development, enhancing exam readiness across colleges, and building sustainable internal expertise in MCQ coaching.  

Have an Idea for Improving NEOMED? Apply for Strategic Initiative Funding 

This award represents just the beginning—98% of the $250,000 available for Strategic Initiative Funding remains open for new proposals. 

If you have an idea that advances NEOMED’s strategic priorities, we want to hear about it. Learn more about Strategic Initiative Funding at: www.neomed.edu/strategicplan 

- submitted by Erica Dovin