Teaching Medical Students, what do Consultants think?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Qualitative Research
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Medical student education has shifted from lectures to small group tutorials.
• Clinician enthusiasm for teaching medical students may be declining.
• This study assesses consultant attitudes towards small group medical student teaching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current consultant attitudes towards teaching medical students in small groups.
• To identify factors influencing consultant engagement in medical education.
• To understand perceptions of financial remuneration, time allocation, and student engagement.

Main Methods:

• A Likert scale questionnaire was emailed to consultants in one region.
• The questionnaire covered attitudes to teaching, financial aspects, time constraints, and student engagement.
• 367 responses were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 72% of consultants actively teach, and 80% find it enjoyable.
• Most feel unremunerated (60%) and lack time (78%), yet many continue teaching.
• Consultants perceive students appreciate teaching but may lack enthusiasm (55%).

Conclusions:

• Consultants are engaged in and enjoy teaching medical students.
• Financial and time constraints are perceived issues but not primary deterrents to teaching.
• Including teaching in job plans and enhancing student engagement are suggested improvements.