Training health professions instructors for the twenty-first century: the Dundee experience

This article describes the award-bearing program of courses for instructors and trainers of health care professionals in medical education that is available through the Centre for Medical Education, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. The program is designed for those who wish to enhance their teaching skills and acknowledges the different roles that a instructor must undertake. The program is open to health care professionals throughout the world. Participation from across the world has increased on a yearly basis; currently we have upwards of 1,000 health professionals studying with us. This article describes the educational philosophy underpinning the course structure. It looks at the special features of the course, such as the outcome-based approach and the linking of theory to practice. The course design, delivery, content, and assessment are explained, as well as some new developments and collaborative work. It is hoped that this article will be of interest to journal readers wishing to undertake a qualification in health professions education.