Faculty development and medical education units in India: A survey.
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Date
2009-01
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Abstract
Background. Faculty development in medical education is
gaining momentum in India. While planning a National Conference
on Medical Education (NCME 2007), we did a survey of
principals and faculty of medical colleges to understand the status
of faculty development programmes and medical education units
in medical colleges in India.
Methods. Questionnaires were sent to principals of medical
colleges by surface mail and to faculty through a web-based
programme to elicit information on various aspects of faculty
development programmes and medical education units. The
responses of both groups were analysed.
Results. The number of medical education units has
increased rapidly after regulations have been revised in 1997 by
the Medical Council of India. The main activities of medical
education units were to conduct workshops targeted at medical
teachers. The frequently covered topics were teaching–learning,
media and student assessment. Lectures dominated the
methodology of imparting information. Evaluation was done
mainly by feedback questionnaires and pre-test/post-test
questionnaires. Projects and follow up were rarely used. The
responses from both groups were strikingly similar. The major
strengths of medical education units were perceived as availability
of trained and motivated faculty, good infrastructure and supportive
leadership. The shortcomings were lack of infrastructure, funding
and full-time faculty, besides time constraints and resistance to
change. The respondents suggested strengthening of infrastructure,
appointment of full-time faculty and staff, incentives and recognition
of contributions to faculty development, making participation a
mandatory requirement, extending the scope of faculty
development programmes to include research and networking at
the national level.
Conclusion. The study reveals the need for policy decisions that support functioning of medical education units in India besides active participation of the faculty.
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Adkoli B V, Sood Rita. Faculty development and medical education units in India: A survey. National Medical Journal of India. 2009 Jan-Feb; 22(1): 28-32.