Learner Perspectives of a Surgical Educators Faculty Development Program Regarding Value and Effectiveness: A...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Faculty Development

Background:

• A faculty development program was established by Baylor Scott & White Health's Division of Plastic Surgery.
• The program included readings, didactic sessions, and educational projects, encouraging cross-discipline collaboration.
• Participation required department chair permission, with a focus on training clinicians as educators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore learner perspectives on the Surgical Educators Program.
• To identify key components contributing to the program's outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 14 physicians who completed the program.
• Focus groups conducted 6 months post-completion, moderated by an uninvolved faculty member.
• Thematic content analysis of transcribed verbatim data to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged from the 13 participating learners.
• Increased knowledge and practice of medical education among participants.
• Program structure and the creation of a community of practice were identified as significant outcomes.

Conclusions:

• A faculty development program with diverse participants, readings, small group sessions, and a project effectively trains plastic surgical faculty.
• The program is suitable for improving surgical education within demanding clinical settings.