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WSUSOM
Strengthens Research, Education
The
program, under the direction of Patrick Bridge, Ph.D.,
assistant dean for Evaluation, Student Information and
Education Research, seeks to improve teaching and education
research by having participants learn education and research
strategies.
“The
applicants are actually studying the theory behind education
and medical education research,” Dr. Bridge explained. “They
are receiving access to medical education research. They
learn how to teach, how to evaluate curricula, and educational
theory.”
Twenty
faculty members applied for the inaugural program’s five
openings. The finalists were selected by the Medical Education
Research Leadership Committee. All enrollees are junior
faculty members at the assistant professor level. They
are educators, though they may have not received formal
education in teaching.
The
applicants receive $11,000 in salary support for their
commitment to the one-year training program. Training consists
of two half-days per month for education research seminars.
The participants must also develop and present an educational
research project identified through the process. Dr. Bridge
said his goal is that the projects become published articles.
The
program was championed by Robert R. Frank, M.D., executive
vice dean, and is now a key component of Vision 2011, Dean
and Senior Advisor to the President for Medical Affairs
Robert M. Mentzer Jr.’s plan for the School of Medicine.
“Dean
Frank and Dean Mentzer had the foresight to see that this
instruction would strengthen the faculty, which in turn,
will help develop stronger students and physicians,” Dr.
Bridge said.
The
program, which launched in September, will be continued
next year, said Dr. Bridge, who hopes its success serves
as a catalyst for permanent continuation.
The
enrollees -- from Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics,
Genetics and Family Medicine -- have praised both the program
and the instructors. Dr. Bridge said the five students
have provided “extremely positive” feedback via immediate
evaluations of each session and each presenter.
The
real test, Dr. Bridge, said, will come through evaluations
of the outcomes, including more effective teaching and
securing grants.
Application
for the next cycle of training will begin in May 2008.
The program starts in September. Ideal candidates should
have an M.D., Ph.D. or M.S. degree and a faculty appointment
with the School of Medicine. When the Medical Education
Research Leadership Committee selects enrollees, it considers
the applicants’ education responsibilities, personal goals
toward enhancing their careers in medical education research,
and support from the department chair.
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