Peer review of teaching in medicine

The design, development, and implementation of procedures for peer review of teaching are described. Peer review is one component of a comprehensive system to evaluate and improve teaching in a school of medicine. Colleague observations and judgments are used to augment student/resident ratings of teaching for purposes of instructional improvement and academic promotions. School policies have standardized evaluation criteria and instrumentation while granting departments flexibility in conducting peer review. Three different departmental peer review committee structures and procedures are reviewed. With the emphasis upon improvement, faculty acceptance of peer review of teaching has been positive. Peer review reports have had a positive impact on academic promotions. The inherent strengths and limitations of peer review of teaching are discussed in relation to the literature and to the medical school environment.