A residency elective in medical education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Academic Medicine
• Clinical Teaching Skills

Background:

• A first-year resident pursued a three-month elective in medical education.
• The elective aimed to prepare for a career in academic medicine and medical student teaching.
• The experience was jointly sponsored by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Office of Medical Studies at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate components of the clinical teaching-learning encounter.
• To identify methods for improving clinical instruction.
• To develop self-instructional materials for medical education.

Main Methods:

• A three-month elective in medical education.
• Investigation of clinical teaching-learning dynamics.
• Development of educational materials and a workshop.

Main Results:

• A workshop on clinical teaching skills for faculty and house staff was designed.
• Four self-instructional units on family planning were developed and added to the obstetrics and gynecology curriculum.
• The resident gained experience in medical education and curriculum development.

Conclusions:

• The medical education elective provided valuable experience for a resident interested in academic medicine.
• The developed workshop and self-instructional materials enhance clinical teaching and family planning education.
• Guidelines for similar elective experiences are suggested for future residents.