A teaching scholars program to develop leaders in medical education

Abstract

The authors describe a year-long faculty development initiative to develop leaders in medical education. The Teaching Scholars Program for Educators in the Health Sciences at McGill University enables faculty to improve their educational knowledge and skills while maintaining their clinical, teaching, and research responsibilities. The program, tailored to the participant's individual needs, consists of five main components: two university courses; independent study; participation in faculty-wide faculty development workshops and medical education rounds; a monthly seminar; and attendance at a national or international conference or course. Since its inception in 1997, 22 faculty members have completed the program; four are currently participating in it. This report discusses the experience of 15 scholars who completed the program by September 2000. Evaluations indicate that the scholars achieved most of their stated objectives. The university courses provided a foundation in educational principles and methodology; independent study allowed them to work on educational projects relevant to their disciplines; and the monthly seminars, faculty development workshops, and outside courses offered opportunities for skill acquisition and reflection. Participants also appreciated the opportunity to meet others interested in medical education and to become aware of available educational resources. A year after completing the program, many had joined new educational committees, taken on new leadership roles in medical education, and developed new courses for students and residents. Some of their projects had been presented at national meetings and were being prepared for publication. Two scholars had pursued further study at a master's level. Despite the ongoing challenge of protecting time for educational pursuits, this program has been beneficial in helping to develop educational leaders in the Faculty of Medicine.