Characteristic competencies for effective teachers in healthcare education

Teachers have the significant potential to facilitate alterations in the teaching-learning process that can positively affect student outcomes. In the healthcare field, exposure to effective teachers is associated with enhanced clinical performance and student knowledge. The literature explores several characteristics that increase the possibility of obtaining better outcomes when developed by teachers. These features are described from the perspectives of students, managers, and teachers. However, when considering teacher development programs, it is necessary to translate these characteristics, skills, and personality traits into competencies for training and enhancement. Therefore, in this review, we propose eight primary competencies that encompass the majority of these previously described characteristics: knowledge, communication skills, empathy, ability to facilitate engagement, preparation, organization, ability to assess learning progress, self-reflection, and continuous enhancement. All of these are trainable. However, teacher training is a complex and continuous process. Understanding these competencies is crucial for designing effective teacher development programs that offer measurable outcomes, reinforce teaching adherence, optimize enhancement timelines, and reduce institutional costs. This review discusses each of the eight competencies, their interrelationships, and their effects on healthcare education, offering a foundation for teachers and managers to facilitate educational excellence.