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Educational innovations in academic medicine and environmental trends

  • Innovations In Education And Clinical Practice
  • Published:
Journal of General Internal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fifteen educational innovations in academic medicine are described in relation to 5 environmental trends. The first trend, demands for increased clinical productivity, has diminished the learning environment, necessitating new organizational structures to support teaching, such as academies of medical educators, mission-based management, and faculty development. The second trend is multidisciplinary approaches to science and education. This is stimulating the growth of multidisciplinary curricular design and oversight along with integrated curricular structures. Third, the science of learning advocates the use of case-based, active learning methods; learning communities such as societies and colleges; and instructional technology. Fourth, shifting views of health and disease are encouraging the addition of new content in the curriculum. In response, theme committees are weaving content across the curriculum, new courses are being inserted into curricula, and community-based education is providing learning experiences outside of academic medical centers. Fifth, calls for accountability are leading to new forms of performance assessment using objective structured clinical exams, clinical examination exercises, simulators, and comprehensive assessment programs. These innovations are transforming medical education.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Educational Development and Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif

    LuAnn Wilkerson EdD

  2. Office of Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, 521 Parnassus Ave., Room C-254, 94143-0410, San Francisco, CA

    David M. Irby PhD

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  2. LuAnn Wilkerson EdD
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Correspondence to David M. Irby PhD.

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Irby, D.M., Wilkerson, L. Educational innovations in academic medicine and environmental trends. J GEN INTERN MED 18, 370–376 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.21049.x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.21049.x

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