For many healthcare professionals, the transition into health professions education is sparked by a desire to teach and inspire the next generation.
With the right support and opportunities, that interest can grow into a meaningful and rewarding career.
Dr Mikio Hayashi’s journey demonstrates how the Essential Skills in Medical Education (ESME) courses offered by AMEE played a key role in his development as an educator, researcher, and leader in the field.
ESME’s impact in action
‘I had been working as a general physician for over ten years when I became interested in health professions education through my experience of teaching in clinical settings.
This is the reason why I decided to join AMEE ten years ago.
I participated in six ESME courses between 2016 and 2022, including the Essential Skills Course led by Professor Harden, and gained a solid foundation in various areas of health professions education.
One of the key features of this course was not merely acquiring theoretical knowledge from instructors but also deepening understanding through discussions among participants.
Although I am a non-native speaker, I felt that the courses were designed in a way which provided a safe and welcoming environment for all participants from different backgrounds.
This experience undoubtedly contributed to my receiving the AMEE 2022 Research Paper Award.

After obtaining a PhD in health professions education from the University of Tokyo and an MHPE from Harvard Medical School, I am currently working as an associate professor in the field of health professions education at a private medical university in Japan.
The theories I learned at ESME are useful not only in the classes I teach at the university but also in curriculum design and evaluation.
Additionally, the research theories I learned at RESME have contributed to my research publications on health professions education which have appeared in many journals.
As an associate editor of Medical Education Online, I am also applying the knowledge gained from this course in this role.
Based on my own experiences, I strongly recommend the ESME courses to individuals from diverse backgrounds who are interested in health professions education.
As a member of the AMEE Research Committee and one of the facilitators of the RESME course, I am committed to supporting all participants in their endeavours.’
Mikio Hayashi, MD, MHPE, Ph.D., FACP

Has ESME shaped your journey? Share your story with us.
Has ESME played a part in your development as a health professions educator?
We’d love to hear your story to help mark 20 years of ESME.
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