NEWS

Medical Teacher is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Jennifer Cleland as its new Editor-in-Chief. A globally renowned scholar, Professor Cleland brings an exceptional breadth of expertise to this prestigious role. Jennifer Cleland is a leader in healthcare education research, with an illustrious career spanning multiple continents. She has made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of selection, assessment, and organisational change, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications and co-authorship of the seminal textbook Researching Medical Education. Previously the Director of CHERI at the University of Aberdeen and Vice-Dean of Education at a leading medical school in Singapore, Professor Cleland has an unparalleled ability to bridge research and practice. Her achievements have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the ASME Gold Medal and honorary fellowships with distinguished medical and educational bodies worldwide. AMEE is thrilled to welcome Professor Cleland to this pivotal leadership role. Her passion for interdisciplinary research, commitment to shaping the future of healthcare education, and dedication to driving excellence and innovation make her a perfect fit for Medical Teacher. We are confident that her vision and expertise will propel the journal to even greater heights. Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Medical Teacher and AMEE as we continue to inspire and transform healthcare education globally.

We are thrilled to announce three incredible funding opportunities that could take your research to the next level! Whether you are an AMEE Individual Member or working in a resource-constrained setting, these grants are designed to fuel innovation and make a lasting impact in health professions education. Here is your chance to bring your ideas to life: AMEE Research Grants Funding: Up to £10,000 for one or more projects Purpose: To inspire excellence and advance scholarship in health professions education research Eligibility: Open to AMEE Individual Members (excluding students). The Principal Investigator or an Associate Investigator must be an active AMEE member. Deadline: Pre-proposals due by 10 January 2025 Find out how to apply on the AMEE website—don’t miss out! AMEE Faculty Development Research Grant Funding: £7,000 for one impactful project Purpose: Dedicated to advancing research specifically in Faculty Development Eligibility: Open to AMEE Individual Members (excluding students). Membership is required for either the Principal Investigator or an Associate Investigator. Important: Projects must focus exclusively on Faculty Development. Deadline: Pre-proposals due by 17 January 2025 Learn more about this targeted grant opportunity on our website! AMEE MERCS Grant (Medical Educators in Resource-Constrained Settings) Funding: Up to £2,000 for one project Purpose: To empower educators in disadvantaged or resource-limited environments, including those facing conflict, migration, or restricted healthcare access. Eligibility: Open to all (excluding students)—no AMEE membership required! Perks: Includes a free one-year AMEE Resourced-Constrained Membership, access to AMEE Guides online, and optional mentorship from an experienced researcher. Deadline: Applications close on 28 March 2025 Check out this life-changing grant opportunity and make a real difference in your community! Why Wait? Apply Now! This is your moment to drive innovation and make a global impact in health professions education. Ready to get started? Head over to the AMEE website for all the details and application forms. Not an AMEE Member yet? Join today and unlock even more opportunities! For any questions, email [email protected]. Let’s make your ideas a reality!

we are pleased to announce the winners of the AMEE Grant for Medical Educators working in Resource Constrained Settings (MERCS Grant) for 2023. This prestigious grant provides financial support to health professions education (HPE) scholars working in emerging, disadvantaged, and resource-constrained settings, fostering opportunities for impactful research in regions affected by conflict, poverty, and limited access to healthcare. This grant has been awarded to an outstanding project titled “Leadership development in medical students through self-sustainable Collaborative Network of Student (NEST) Leaders”. Led by Principal Investigator Sumita Sethi, with Co-Investigators Renu Garg and Ruchi Agarwal, the research team from BPS Government Medical College for Women in Sonepat, Haryana, India. The research team plans to address the emerging need for an effective and sustainable leadership development model for medical students by creating a collaborative learning NEtwork of STudent (NEST) leaders. Their vision is leadership training and development in medical students through an integrated three-tier extracurricular approach. With time, as the NEST evolves and the student leadership executive team takes over the administration, a systematic, iterative cycle of learning-performing-networking will be developed by building peer and mentor relationships around shared learning experiences. Congratulations to the winners for their dedication and commitment to enhancing medical education in resource-constrained environments. Their work exemplifies the spirit of the MERCS Grant, contributing to the advancement of health professions education globally. For more information about the MERCS Grant please visit our website​​​​​.

Celebrating Excellence in Health Professions Education Research: Announcing the Winners of the AMEE Research Grant 2023  The AMEE Research Grants programme, dedicated to fostering innovative research in health professions education (HPE), proudly announces the winners of the 2023 grant. This prestigious programme, offering financial support of up to £10,000 for groundbreaking educational research projects, aims to promote excellence and scholarship among AMEE members.  Winning Project: “Where there’s fear, there is power”: Exploring medical trainees’ concerns around consultant-mediated consequences of their own actions   Principal Investigator: Beatrice Preti, Emory University (Atlanta, USA) and Western University (London, ON)  Associated Investigators: Michael Sanatani, Western University (London, ON) and Luxshikka Canthiya, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University (London, ON)  Project Summary: This project seeks to better understand the trainee views of consultant power in response to trainee actions (i.e. repercussions or retribution), the origins and perpetuation of these views, and how these views impact trainee actions. This project uses multi-site, international recruitment to gain a variety of perspectives through vignette-style semi-structured interviews. Funds will be used for recruitment/participant compensation, project activities including analysis, and publication costs.    Runner-Up Project: Decolonising and enabling anatomy education: Sociocultural determinants and psychosocial implications of cadaveric dissection in medical schools  Principal Investigator: Suhad Daher-Nashif, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Keele University, UK.  Associated Investigator: Luke Welsh, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Keele University, UK.  Project Summary: This study explores medical students’ experiences during cadaveric dissection, focusing on how demographic and sociocultural backgrounds shape these experiences. Utilising ethnographic qualitative methods, the research will examine the influence of factors such as gender, ethnicity, religion, and personal experiences with death on students’ psychological, spiritual, and professional development. Conducted across four UK medical schools, the study will begin with a scoping review to map existing research globally, followed by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings aim to enhance equality, diversity, and inclusion in anatomy education, providing recommendations for improving educational practices in dissection rooms.  Both projects exemplify the innovative and impactful research that the AMEE Research Grants programme seeks to support. Congratulations to the winning and runner-up teams for their outstanding contributions to the field of health professions education.  For more information about the AMEE Research Grants programme and how to apply, please visit AMEE Research Grants. 

AMEE is thrilled to announce a dedicated track on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at our upcoming conference in Basel, Switzerland from 24-28 August 2024. This initiative aims to deepen the understanding and enhance the practice of CPD across diverse health profession environments. The CPD track at AMEE 2024 will feature an array of sessions designed to cater to educators, administrators and health professionals invested in lifelong learning and professional growth. Highlights include: The Future of CPD: Integrating Generative AI: Explore the cutting-edge intersection of CPD and AI technology, where ethical considerations meet innovative potential. Learn how AI can revolutionise CPD content delivery, assessment and personalisation. Accreditation in CPD: The How and Why: Led by Reinhard Gribenow this workshop will navigate the varying accreditation landscapes across regions, offering insights into achieving accreditation for both CPD activities and provider organisations. Participants will learn to craft CPD activities that meet stringent accreditation standards. Are We Doing Enough to Prepare Lifelong Learners?: This reflective session, guided by Dujeepa Samarasekera and Ricardo Leon-Borquez, will challenge current educational models and explore innovative strategies to better prepare health professionals for continuous learning throughout their careers. Reports from the AMEE CPD Systems Assessment Project: Discover insights from AMEE’s comprehensive review of CPD systems in over 40 countries. This session will reveal global trends, regional differences and the common barriers faced by health professionals in accessing quality CPD. Opportunities for Commercial Support of Independent CPD: Engage with industry leaders like Pam Beaton, Boehringer Ingelheim and Angelo Carter, Pfizer to explore funding avenues for CPD activities. This session will dissect the processes and best practices necessary to secure independent, unbiased financial support for educational initiatives. Strategies for Developing and Providing CPD in LMICs: With Vaibhav Srivatava from Insignia Learning and Craig Fitzpatrick from the World Continuing Education Alliance, this session will address unique challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The focus will be on creating accessible CPD solutions that are both impactful and sustainable. Patient’s Voice in the Development of Healthcare Professionals and Teams: This transformative workshop will delve into integrating patient perspectives into CPD programs, enhancing the relevance and impact of health professions education. AMEE 2024’s CPD track not only promises to broaden the scope of continuing professional development but also aims to foster an environment where innovative ideas and evidence-based practices lead the way in advancing health professions education globally. Join us to connect, grow, inspire in the dynamic field of CPD. We look forward to welcoming you to Basel for a stimulating exploration of the future of continuing professional development.

Meet the speakers of the AMEE 2024 AI Symposium: “The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence: Advancing Health Professions Education in the Digital Age” Martin G. Tolsgaard, “AI in medical education: The research that we should do and the papers we should stop writing:” Martin’s work involves the use of technologies, such as simulation or artificial intelligence (AI) to augment clinical performances. He did his PhD within the field of clinical learning and in my postdoc and doctoral dissertation he explored the use and cost of simulation technology for clinical skills training and assessment. Martin Pusic, “Precision Education, Learning Analytics, Big Data, AI:  Beyond the Terms:” Martin is an Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine in the Harvard Medical School, a practicing Paediatric Emergency Medicine physician at the Boston Children’s Hospital, and Scholar in Residence at the Brigham Education Institute. He recently became Director of the Research Education Foundation at the American Board of Medical Specialties where he encourages scholarly approaches to Certification of Medical Expertise. Steph Smith, “From Trends to Training: Using Data to Shape Medical Education:” Steph is the creator of Internet Pipes, which shows people how to use all the data online to make sense of the world. She is also the host of the a16z Podcast at Andreessen Horowitz and previously led Trends at The Hustle, which was acquired by HubSpot. Ruben Hassid, “Master AI before it masters you:” Ruben is a distinguished molecular geneticist at EasyGen, pioneering the integration of AI in genetic research. With over 20 years of experience, his ground-breaking work on genetic diseases and personalized medicine is transforming healthcare. Ruben’s innovative approach, combining advanced genetics and AI, continues to inspire and shape the future of medical science. Why attend? Whether you’re deeply involved in health professions education or just starting your journey, this event promises to be an inspiring and enriching experience. Our in-person event is nearly sold out, but you can still participate online. Click here

We are thrilled to announce that Stefano Sandrone has been selected to receive the prestigious 2024 Miriam Friedman Ben-David New Educator Award. Congratulations from all of us at AMEE! The Miriam Friedman Ben-David (MFBD) Award, established in 2008 by AMEE, honours the legacy of Miriam Friedman Ben-David, a pioneering leader in medical education. This award recognises AMEE Individual members who have made significant contributions to health professions education (HPE) as new educators. It celebrates excellence and noteworthy achievements in the field, continuing Miriam’s passion for supporting and inspiring young educators. Stefano, currently a Principal Teaching Fellow at the Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, has made significant contributions to HPE. His influential publications on neurology education in esteemed journals such as Nature Medicine and Cell highlight his impact in the field. Stefano’s active involvement in educational initiatives and innovative curriculum development, incorporating advanced technologies and diverse perspectives, has demonstrated significant early career impact. The Selection Committee was particularly impressed by Stefano’s dedication and achievements. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition!

Enhancing CPD Education in Sub-Saharan Africa In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, participation in appropriately developed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities is crucial for educators and practitioners to maintain relevance and efficacy in their teaching and clinical practice. AMEE’s Pioneering Initiative A pioneering initiative from AMEE, led by Project Director Lawrence Sherman, President of Meducate Global LLC, is now helping increase capacity of CPD educators in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa, using our recently developed and innovative Essential Skills in Medical Education (ESME) CPD course. Building Local Expertise Working with local experts, 60 educators will have the opportunity to complete the course and will be supported to form three educational Communities of Practice (CoPs) focussed on implementing best practice and overcoming systemic barriers to change. Creating a Self-Sustaining Training Programme A group of course participants will also be trained as course facilitators, creating a self-sustaining training programme of CPD educators. Global Support and Funding The project has been funded by Pfizer as part of an ongoing initiative to build CPD capacity worldwide, and recognises AMEE’s commitment to connecting, growing and inspiring globally and to transforming health professions education worldwide. Previous Successes Inform New Efforts It builds on previous Pfizer-funded work, in which AMEE independently assessed the CPD systems and environment in China, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East/North Africa. Comprehensive CPD Course Development This then helped to inform our work with expert CPD educators from around the world to develop the six-module course, which will be used in this project, designed to prepare CPD educators for their role and promote best practices in CPD education. ESME CPD Course Modules These modules, covering principles of CPD, educational needs assessment, design and delivery of CPD, measuring the impact of CPD, adopting a strategic approach to CPD, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in Health Professions Education, are now part of the AMEE ESME collection, available to all health education professionals, and offer an ESME certificate upon successful completion and assessment. AMEE’s Commitment to Sustainable Impact Anne Lloyd, CEO of AMEE commented, “We are delighted to be working on this initiative with health education professionals in Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, and Rwanda. We are committed to creating sustainable impact, and this project achieves just that, supporting professionals in Africa to access and develop the course in the local context. AMEE’s ultimate aim is to support health education professionals to connect, grow and inspire globally and we are incredibly grateful to all our partners in this project who have enabled us to make this important step in our mission to advance global healthcare education.” Pfizer’s Role and Vision Maureen Doyle-Scharff, Group Lead, Global Medical Partnerships & Grants at Pfizer stated, “Pfizer’s Global Medical Partnerships & Grants program is committed to empowering AMEE and its vital initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. Our foundational goal is to enhance the capabilities of organizations and institutions, enabling them to provide education to healthcare professionals that is both needs-driven and evidence-based. This is crucial for bridging knowledge and practice disparities globally, particularly in regions serving the most at-risk and underserved communities.” Addressing Global CPD Needs Project Director Lawrence Sherman added, “Our ongoing research has clearly identified a need for the proper training of CPD educators globally.  This initiative will be the first step toward addressing that need, and we know that it will make a significant impact in the countries taking part, and beyond.” Learn more about the ESME CPD course here. 

Grant Opportunity: Sharable Curriculum Development in Health Professions Education We are thrilled to announce a unique grant opportunity for AMEE members, in partnership with ScholarRx, a mission-driven organisation committed to advancing global health through accessible, sustainable health professions education. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of fostering innovative educational practices in the health professions field. You can read more about the grant and how to apply here.  Applications open from 12th June 2024.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the AMEE Faculty Development Research Grant. This year’s successful project, titled “The What, Who, How, and Why of Postgraduate Degrees in Health Professions Education: A multi-pronged approach to theory development,” promises to significantly contribute to our understanding and enhancement of health professions education globally. Meet the Project Team: Principal Investigator: Louise Allen, The University of Melbourne Associate Investigators: Simone Gibson, Monash University; Brett Vaughan, The University of Melbourne; Justin Bilszta, The University of Melbourne The team brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the exploration of postgraduate degrees in health professions education. Their research will delve into the core aspects of these programs, aiming to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework that will benefit educators and learners alike. Please join us in congratulating the team on their achievement. We look forward to the insights and advancements their research will bring to our community.