Teaching is a critical component of medical practice, and junior doctors have an important role to play in shaping the next generation of medical professionals. However, many junior doctors feel uncomfortable in their role as educators. This discomfort can stem from various factors, including limited instruction in teaching methods, time constraints, and limited clinical experience. But there are ways for junior doctors to improve their teaching abilities, including self-reflection and feedback, regular teaching opportunities, and seeking out peer support and mentorship.
The student becoming the teacher
When it comes to teaching medical students, there are both strengths and weaknesses that junior doctors bring to the table. On the one hand, junior doctors have a wealth of theoretical information at their disposal and are tech-savvy, with access to great resources. They are also near-peers and can communicate effectively with medical students. Additionally, they have recent experience as medical students themselves and can identify where their gaps in knowledge may be.
Many junior doctors feel unprepared to adopt the role of supervisor and teacher
On the other hand, many junior doctors have little or no instruction in teaching methods. This can make it difficult for them to structure learning effectively. They are also new to the clinical environment, so their level of knowledge is still limited and developing. Furthermore, they are often time-poor, and teaching is done on the fly in the middle of clinical loads.
To improve their teaching abilities, junior doctors can begin by reflecting on their own teaching practices and seeking feedback from others. By doing so, they can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them. It is important to remember that feedback is not a negative reflection of your skills as a teacher, but rather an opportunity for growth and development.
Don’t be scared of feedback - rather, embrace it. It is a critical component of self-improvement
There are various tools and resources available to assist in assessing teaching abilities. For example, there are courses such as "Teaching On The Run" that can help junior doctors develop their teaching skills. Becoming an instructor at a course such as Paediatric Advanced Life Support, Emergency Management of Severe Trauma or Advanced Life Support can also help, as instructors must complete specific teaching courses. Additionally, there are resources available online, including Osler.
Regular teaching opportunities can also help junior doctors feel more comfortable in their role as educators. Start with small tasks that are comfortable as you build your skills, such as a tutorial with 2-5 students about a topic you know well. Gradually expand your scope as you feel more comfortable. Being well prepared is extremely important. Take the time to know your topic, consider what the students need to learn and what they already know, and think about how you will best deliver the information. Running your plan past an experienced clinician or educator is also important.
Engaging in teaching can be a lot of fun, and it helps with your own development too!
Finally, peer support and mentorship can play an essential role in improving teaching confidence. By using a group of colleagues to help prepare, junior doctors can benefit from diverse perspectives and feedback. In most hospitals, there are already professional educators available who may not be clinical, but they have lots of tips on how to teach more effectively.
Summary:
Teaching medical students can be a challenging task for junior doctors, but with the right tools and resources, it can also be a rewarding experience. By reflecting on their own teaching practices and seeking feedback from others, junior doctors can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them. Regular teaching opportunities, peer support, and mentorship can also play a critical role in building teaching confidence and improving teaching abilities.
Did you know?
Teaching and supervision can often be claimed as CPD! Teaching is not only a good thing to do for the next generation of healthcare professionals, it even has some benefits for your own practice, as described in this article.
To maximise the value of teaching for your CPD, you’ll need a very efficient real-time CPD diary like Osler, so you can seamlessly capture all your activities.
For more information on medical education and professional development, visit Osler today.