Doctors as educators

Abstract

The education and training of medical students and medical and non-medical healthcare professionals on the team is a professional obligation of all doctors. It is recognised that teachers have a powerful influence as educators and role models on medical students and postgraduate trainees. Over the past 2 decades there have been several advances made in the field of medical education. There is a constant need for clinicians to develop and update their clinical skills, and to teach these skills to junior doctors and medical students. In addition, training reforms and the introduction of the European Working Time Directive have led to a shortened length of specialist training, with the result that training must be more effective to achieve the intended outcomes. Every new teacher has a steep learning curve in getting to know the students, the curriculum and the institution and in understanding his or her role.