Identification of training opportunities in medical education for academic faculty

Abstract

Introduction: Clinician-educators are responsible for providing education to trainees in medical centers. There is no clear overview of what opportunities exist for training clinician-educators in medical education related skills and techniques.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of multiple websites and a medical educator listserve to identify medical education training opportunities for clinician-educators. We included certificate level programs or programs with comparable recognition and excluded masters programs, programs specific to one medical specialty or institution, and brief modules/sessions. We categorized results by training/focus area(s) and program details relevant for faculty.Results: We identified 53 programs. Most focus on general medical education skills (N = 19, 36%), leadership (N = 18, 34%), or learner assessment (N = 16, 30%). Fourteen programs (26%) were exclusively online, 27 (56%) exclusively in-person, and 12 (23%) require in-person and distance components. Time requirements for completion vary greatly, ranging from 1 day to 3 years, as did program costs, ranging from $327 to $15,000.Conclusions: Although training programs in medical education for clinical faculty exist, most focus on general medical education, leadership, and assessment. More programs focused on other topics, such as simulation or educational research, may be needed. Future investigations to understand the needs of this population would be valuable.