The Clinical Teaching Fellow role: exploring expectations and experiences

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Doctoral Training
• Healthcare Professions Education

Background:

• A growing number of UK junior doctors opt for a year out of traditional training pathways.
• Clinical Teaching Fellow (CTF) posts are a common choice, focusing on teaching medical students.
• Limited literature exists on CTF roles, particularly regarding motivations and expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the motivations and expectations of junior doctors in Clinical Teaching Fellow roles.
• To understand the experiences and challenges faced by CTFs during their posts.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a survey and a focus group.
• Participants were CTFs registered on a Post Graduate Certificate course at the University of Birmingham.
• Data were collected from 28 survey respondents and 10 focus group participants.

Main Results:

• Key reasons for choosing CTF roles included interest in teaching, a desire for time out of training, and career indecision.
• Expectations aligned with motivations, focusing on developing teaching skills and a break from clinical duties.
• Participants reported enjoying the role mid-year but faced challenges with role commencement and time pressures.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable insights into the CTF role, motivations, and challenges, addressing a gap in existing literature.
• Understanding CTF experiences can help optimize the role for future postholders.
• Recommendations include implementing formal handover processes, appointing a lead for evaluating CTF suggestions, and balancing duties with personal development time.