Developing the master educator: cross disciplinary teaching scholars program for human and veterinary medical...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Faculty Development
• Leadership Training

Background:

• Developing reflective educational leaders is crucial for advancing medical education.
• Enhancing faculty understanding of complex educational theories and practices is essential for effective leadership.
• Institutions need robust programs to cultivate a cadre of master educators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an institutional network of reflective educational leaders at the University of California, Davis (UCD).
• To improve faculty understanding of medical education's complexity.
• To enhance educators' effectiveness as regional and national leaders.

Main Methods:

• A half-year Teaching Scholars Program for School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine faculty.
• Utilized a framework of personal reflection, educational theory, diverse perspectives, peer teaching, and practice-theory integration.
• Program development involved environmental analysis, marketing, and interactive exercises, enrolling 7-10 faculty annually.

Main Results:

• High participant satisfaction (76% very satisfied) with the course, curriculum, and faculty interactions.
• 100% reported improved effectiveness as educators, with significant gains in leadership and research roles.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration increased, broadening perspectives and fostering new initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Successful development of master educators requires meticulous program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Participant feedback indicates the program effectively stimulated positive change in educational practices and leadership.
• This program's assessment offers a potential model for other medical institutions aiming to strengthen their educational mission.