Continuing education for medical students: a library model

PURPOSE: The research assessed a three-year continuing medical education-style program for medical students in a Midwestern academic medical library. METHODS: A mixed methods approach of a survey and two focus groups comparing attendees versus non-attendees assessed the program. RESULTS: Eleven students participated in the focus groups. Attendance was driven by topic interest and lunch. Barriers included lack of interest, scheduling, location, and convenience. CONCLUSIONS: Although attendance was a challenge, students valued opportunities to learn new skills. This study show cases a reproducible method to engage students outside the curriculum.