Forty years of medical education through the eyes of Medical Teacher: From chrysalis to butterfly

Abstract

To mark the 40th Anniversary of Medical Teacher, issues this year will document changes in medical education that have taken place over the past 40 years in undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education with regard to curriculum themes and approaches, teaching and learning methods, assessment techniques and management issues. Trends such as adaptive learning will be highlighted and one issue will look at the medical school of the future. An analysis of papers published in the journal has identified four general trends in medical education – increased collaboration, greater international interest, student engagement with the education process and a move to a more evidence-informed approach to medical education. These changes over the years have been dramatic.

Disclosure statement

Ronald Harden is Editor of Medical Teacher and Pat Lilley is Managing Editor. The authors report no other conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ronald M. Harden

Ronald M. Harden, OBE MD FRCP(Glas) FRCS(Ed) FRCPC – Ronald M. Harden is a Professor of Medical Education (Emeritus) at the University of Dundee, Editor of Medical Teacher and General Secretary and Treasurer of AMEE, an International Association for Medical Education.

Pat Lilley

Pat Lilley BA(Hons) – Pat Lilley is the Operations Director for AMEE, an International Association for Medical Education. She is also Managing Editor of the journal Medical Teacher.

Jake McLaughlin

Jake McLaughlin BSc(Hons) – Jake McLaughlin is an administrative assistant for AMEE, an International Association for Medical Education.