Frequently Asked Questions

While MSATs are paid positions, we are pleased to provide all services at no cost to students.

Students visit for a variety of reasons:

• Learning more efficient ways of studying
• Improving their teaching practices
• Reviewing their assessments in greater detail
• Developing an effective study plan
• Exploring different test-taking strategies
• To learn more about learning in general.

It’s helpful to have a general idea about the area of training needed (I.e., time management, study skills, etc.) that you would like to focus on. During our first session, we’ll work together to discuss your current approach and co-develop training solutions.

At the beginning of every academic year, the Director of Operations will send a Google Forms link to students where you can sign up for the program.

Please plan to attend at least 80% of the sessions, be punctual, respectful of your colleagues and participate in the learning process. We strive to ensure our CLC-MSAT Program is a safe place to both learn and grow as future physicians.

Based on our CABS Model which ensures the most intensive resources are available to students with the greatest need, services are offered to students based on intervention requirements. All students begin at Tier 1 and have access to the CLC-MSAT Program. Tier 2A students are eligible for small group tutoring, whereas individual tutoring and cognitive coaching with a Learning Specialist are primarily reserved for Tiers 2B/3 students.

The Program Manager will send out applications via email in the Spring of every academic year. Applicants will typically have 1-2 weeks to submit their application and optional supplementary materials. Once all applications have been received, the internal leadership team redacts identifying information and scores applications individually using a rubric. A mean score is derived for each applicant and offers of employment are sent to the most qualified candidates.

An MSAT is a Medical Student Teacher. Within our program, MSATs serve three roles:

1. MSAT: Teach a cohort of 5 - 8 students in biweekly and monthly learning events (depending on program)
2. Academic Mentor: Contact your cohort of students at least once monthly to provide informal resource recommendations and overall mentorship support​​
3. Small Group Tutor: Provide additional content support to a small group of students

Curriculum for our program services are created by Curriculum Specialists. Thus, individual MSATs are not responsible for creating their own lesson plans.

The program you will serve as an MSAT for depends on your class standing. For example:

• MS2 applicants will be considered for the MS1 Program
• MS3 applicants will be considered for the MS2 Program
• MS4 applicants will be considered for the MS2 and MS3 Program

Typically, you will serve as an MSAT for students in the program that is one year lower than your class standing. 

1. Hiring upper-class-standing MSATs to serve in our MS2 and MS3 programs
2. MSATs available to serve as small-group tutors 

As a friendly reminder, all MSATs agree to potentially serve as small-group tutors at some point in the year. While small group tutoring is an infrequently requested service, the Director of Operations may assign any MSAT to lead a small group of students for tutoring if other MSATs do not volunteer first. 

Any activities related to the CLC-MSAT Program should be documented on your timesheet. Such items include:

• Any time you are teaching
• Any time you are tutoring
• Initial training and ongoing professional development
• Participating in inquiries from the Program Manager (e.g. surveys for improvement, feedback about sessions, etc.)
• Program meetings
• Administrative duties, such as contacting and responding to your students

If you ever have any questions about which activities count as work hours, please contact the Program Manager (Dr. Lauren Stokes). 

The more we know about your work and learning approaches, the better we can help you. We recommend that you bring any or all of the following items:

• Course documents/relevant resources
• Calendar, planner, or schedule
• Current notes from lecture, readings, etc.

The first session is about 1 hour and we spend our time evaluating your needs as a learner. Depending on the performance opportunity gap and your individual goal(s), the length and intensity (every 2 weeks, etc.) will vary. 

The services focus on research-based strategies and approaches for thinking, learning, and teaching. We’ll share suggestions for using these strategies within your current courses. If you want coaching for course content, email the Course Director or Student Affairs.

The majority of the coaching sessions are voluntary and confidential. In some situations, we may be required to summarize or share meeting dates or recommendations with personnel. Additionally, notes may be kept confidential to the maximum extent allowed by the law and may be subject the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).