At Laval University, siblings and STARS (Students and Trainees Advocating for Resource Stewardship) student leaders Alik and Leia Chamlian are rethinking how future clinicians engage with resource stewardship. With a shared interest in technology and systems thinking, they’re developing practical tools to make these principles clearer, more accessible, and easier to apply in medical training.

As co-directors of Laval’s Choosing Wisely Interest Group, Alik and Leia worked with Zena Martineau-Karakach, and fellow STARS student Lisa Hannane to develop a Choosing Wisely Pocket Guide that helps medical students apply resource stewardship principles. The guide is organized by anatomical systems, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and uses step-by-step algorithms to introduce key clinical concepts and decision-making tools. Inspired by earlier guides developed at the University of Toronto, this version is tailored to Laval’s curriculum, with the goal of making resource stewardship more approachable and relevant for medical students.

“We hope that this guide will facilitate the seamless integration of Choosing Wisely values and principles into medical curricula across Canada to better influence clinical practice and support future health care professionals,” says Leia.

The guide is now entering the testing phase, with initial reactions from clinicians and fellow students being positive. They have initiated meetings with the Clinical Relevance Committee at CHU de Québec, to explore implementing the guide in hospital settings to enhance the practical application of resource stewardship in clinical care. Focused on the future, they have even been exploring app development to distribute their tool throughout the Laval student body, and across Canada.

Beyond the guide, Alik and Leia are focused on building awareness, creating social media infographics and planning a Choosing Wisely Conference Month in collaboration with Université de Montréal and McGill University. In March 2024, they hosted a conference featuring two former STARS students from UdeM to increase overall awareness of Choosing Wisely initiatives and highlighted the importance of resource stewardship. Attendees left equipped with knowledge to promote more thoughtful and efficient use of health care resources in practice.

“Over the years, we’ve worked to make thoughtful decision making second nature for students,” shared Alik. “This has been our guiding vision and perspective: to adapt Choosing Wisely recommendations to daily practice, but to above all, ensure a meaningful and positive and uplifting experience for all learners.”

Though their time as STARS students has ended Alik and Leia remain committed to advancing the development of the pocket guide project and its reach. Both Chamlian siblings envision a health care system focused on community, with patients always at the centre. As Alik continues to find new ways to integrate technology with clinical care, and Leia builds an interest in advancing research and evidence-based practice, both remain committed to connecting Choosing Wisely with innovation and quality patient care.