Bridging the gap: The use of STEM and premedical journal clubs in undergraduate education

Abstract

Andrew S. Nowak, Constantinus T. P. M. van der Wegen

Journal clubs provide a platform that uses primary literature to facilitate student transitions into professional life. The use of journal clubs, particularly those related to the science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and medical fields, is common practice among many graduate institutions and medical programs. Reading and understanding primary literature have been shown to positively impact academic outcomes and future careers of graduate students who participate in journal clubs. However, there remains a lack of exposure to primary literature at the undergraduate level, often due to constraints within traditional classroom education. Limited exposure to scholarly articles as an undergraduate student can lead to voids in education and knowledge acquisition, especially for those continuing on to graduate or professional school. Undergraduate journal clubs are an easy and effective way to expose students to primary literature and increase their familiarity and understanding of primary research material. Such learning can improve students’ critical evaluation and problem-solving skills, boost confidence in sharing ideas and partaking in their own scholarly research, and also better prepare them for continued education and future careers in STEM and medical fields.