Pick me, pick me: Proposed indicators for collaboration in medical education research

Collaboration is a regular part of medical education research. There has been minimal formalised unpicking of features which may promote enjoyable and effective collaboration. This paper focuses on the social qualities of individuals to highlight important aspects to consider when assembling collaborative research teams. We draw on the concept of persona from celebrity studies research to formulate five Famousness Dimensions (FD). Then we use a broader range of education and sociological theories to identify contextual aspects of collaboration, collectively termed KRUD: knowing-that/knowing-how, relevant experience, (Un)kindness and demands of day jobs. Together, these form the Proposed Indicators for Collaboration in Medical Education research (PIC-ME). Although developed with tongue-in-cheek intent, the PIC-ME may facilitate holistic judgements of collaborative potential, and offer a mechanism for shared understanding towards international collaboration that sparks joy and furthers medical education research.