There is a clear expectation and requirement for doctors to actively engage in teaching, supporting the learning and development of others. The fundamental principles of teaching adults are generic, regardless of the sector of employment, whether this is academia, sales, industry, physician or surgeon. It is imperative however that these principles are adapted address the needs and environment of doctors. As such, it is useful to step outside of the world of healthcare to see what can be learned from other sectors.
The Education and Training Foundation is a body which sets professional standards and codes of behaviour for teachers and trainers in further education in England. Earlier this year, they defined the professional standards for this group which makes for interesting reading. They are explained clearly and succinctly in this short three minute video.
It can be useful to benchmark yourself against the standards of a different peer group who will have used different words to express themselves to see what can be learned. There is close alignment here between the expectation of the further education teachers and those of doctors, especially in relation to the development of others. The question is always how to maintain these standards. This is particularly relevant to the comments on keeping up to date and refreshing knowledge.
During our regular Teach the Teacher Courses for Doctors, we explore the fact that it is not enough for a doctor to have great understanding and expertise of their chosen speciality when considering the development of others. Being able to effectively support the growth in knowledge, skills and attitude implies that there has to be dedicated effort on the part of the doctor taking on the role of teacher to maintain, review and refresh their own knowledge, skills and understanding of that specific role.
I hope you enjoy and find the Education and Training Foundation’s video useful.
