Medical Education Fellow; Is it more than a stepping stone on the journey of Becoming an Excellent Educator?

Abstract

Background: There are growing numbers of medical education fellows (MEFs) in the United Kingdom [1,2]. Predominant reasons are to explore and expand medical education career opportunities and to take timeout from training to avoid burning out and consider options [2]. Medical Education Departments, working to deliver against the NHS Education Contract, employ MEFs to support and deliver medical education projects and research as well as to teach medical students [5]. However, there is a lack of research and understanding of what the role is [4]. East Kent has employed MEFs for over 8 years and continues to research the role with past and current MEFs, and the Medical Education Department faculty. Summary of work: The overall methodology was a phenomenological approach, making use of transcripts of interviews with fellows and faculty, but a repeat questionnaire was used in 2024 of one first conducted in 2020. Ten fellows and five medical education faculty team members participated. Summary of results: Most MEFs came to this role with the motive of enhancing themselves for future competitive jobs (n=2) including achieving formal post graduate qualification (n=8) and growing interest in Medical Education (n=10). All MEFs declared this particular job has broadened their understanding of portfolio careers involving medical education.All faculty feel that MEFs offer positive impact with regard to undergraduate teaching programmes. Discussion and conclusion: MEFs are mainly motivated by their interest in developing skills and experience in medical education. There is strong evidence that time out of training to avoid burn out was key. All agree there needs to be improved handover from predecessors to ensure continuity, make the role clearer and improve project outcomes [3]. Take home message: MEFs universally agree that the role offers a priceless experience for future clinicians whose aim is to be an excellent educator, in the widest sense, and who are interested in taking up formal roles in education. Glossary: n=number of respondents