Date Approved
1-27-2025
Embargo Period
3-24-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Ane Turner Johnson, PhD
Committee Member 1
Sarah Ferguson, PhD
Committee Member 2
Anna-kay Thomas, EdD
Keywords
Holistic Support;Improvement Science;Medical Education;Proactive Support;Universal Design
Disciplines
Education | Higher Education
Abstract
Medical students often face unique academic and personal challenges that can hinder their success and well-being, particularly in the first year. This dissertation examines the impact of the Proactive Academic Support System (PASS) Program, a program designed to provide timely, holistic support to first-year medical students. Guided by improvement science and the Universal Design Principles for Student Development Programs and Services framework, the study implemented two change ideas aimed at reducing the time between grade release and PASS meeting completion, thereby enhancing communication and engagement with students. The study focuses on one Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycle that assessed program effectiveness through mixed methods using quantitative measures, including meeting attendance rates and communication response times, as well as qualitative feedback from students and staff. Findings revealed a statistically significant increase in attendance following programmatic interventions, alongside insights into persistent challenges such as stigma, misconceptions, and organizational barriers.
Recommended Citation
Mosko, Suzanne Julia, "Optimizing the PASS Program: Using Improvement Science to Enhance Holistic Support for First-Year Medical Students" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3330.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3330
