The NICU Cuddler Curriculum: A Service-Learning Curriculum for Preclinical Medical Students in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Introduction: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is often seen as off-limits by preclinical medical students. The NICU cuddler curriculum is a service-learning curriculum that invited preclinical medical students into the NICU to engage with and learn from one of the hospital's most vulnerable populations: neonates. The purpose of this preclinical experience was to provide students with exposure to the NICU and an opportunity to engage with babies, families, and the NICU staff, in order to improve students' clinical and communication skills.