Charlie Hammerton, clinical teaching and training lead at the online doctor site DrEd, describes her experience as a student on the MSc in Medical Education course.
I originally applied for the course as I aspire to teach as an increasing part of my clinical role and to contribute to education and innovation more widely in the longer term future. More specifically, I wanted to learn more about medical education theory to enhance my teaching skills and to gain a basis from which I can contribute more to my current role and to the future of medical education. So far I have been really enjoying it.
The introduction was well thought out and provided a good outline of the course, what was expected and what we could hope to get out of it. We had a chance to get to know the other students and meet our tutors, which was great. It was clear that lots of effort had been made to tailor the course based on previous feedback.
I have really enjoyed learning new techniques to use when teaching/facilitating and particularly enjoyed practical group sessions, team learning and linking these to education theory.
During the contact days, I have really enjoyed learning new techniques to use when teaching/facilitating and particularly enjoyed practical group sessions, team learning and linking these to education theory. The course is also a great opportunity to meet others from a range of medical backgrounds and learn from their experience.
Completing the first assignment initially felt a bit daunting – getting back into essay writing alongside work did take some time (procrastinating is one skill that I have not lost since medical school!). However, once I had chosen a title and settled in, I found it very interesting and great to have a different challenge. The one-to-one feedback session with my tutor was particularly useful and will be of real help with the next assignment.
I am now looking forward to carrying out the mini-qualitative research project and using focus groups, both of which are new to me as a researcher, and which I hope will also inform the way we deliver online teaching.
Charlie Hammerton, clinical teaching and training lead, DrEd
Applications for the MSc in Medical Education 2017–18 are now open. For more information please contact postgraduate@rcplondon.ac.uk.
