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Teachers at a British medical school
P Finucane1, L A Allery, T M Hayes
1Department of Postgraduate Studies, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff.
Medical Teacher
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Most clinical teachers are male, with females underrepresented in senior roles. Few attend medical education courses, highlighting a need to support and foster teaching enthusiasm among medical school staff.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Academic Medicine
- Healthcare Professional Development
Background:
- Understanding the characteristics of clinical teachers is crucial for effective medical education.
- Previous research has not comprehensively detailed the attributes, beliefs, and attitudes of clinical teaching staff in British medical schools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the attributes of clinical teachers at a British medical school.
- To identify potential areas for improvement in the selection, training, and support of medical educators.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was mailed to a 50% sample of staff at a British medical school.
- Data were collected on demographics, teaching frequency, teaching methods, and participation in medical education training.
Main Results:
- 80% of surveyed staff responded, with 83% being male and females underrepresented in senior academic positions.
- Most clinical teachers taught weekly, with National Health Service (NHS) employees being as active as university employees.
- Only 19% had attended a medical education course in the last 5 years, and few were members of medical education societies.
Conclusions:
- Significant gender disparities exist in senior academic roles within medical schools.
- There is a low uptake of formal medical education training among clinical teachers.
- Findings suggest a need for enhanced support, training, and strategies to foster enthusiasm for teaching in medical school staff.