Scholarship, publication, and career advancement in health professions education: AMEE Guide No. 43

Abstract

Scholarship and publication are key contributors to career advancement in health professions education worldwide. Scholarship is expressed in many ways including original research; integration and synthesis of ideas and data, often across disciplines; application of skill and knowledge to problems that have consequences for health professionals, students, and patients; and teaching in many forms. Professional publication also has diverse outlets ranging from empirical articles in peer reviewed journals, textbook chapters, videos, simulation technologies, and many other means of expression. Scholarship and publication are evaluated and judged using criteria that are consensual, public, and transparent. This three-part AMEE Guide presents advice about how to prepare and publish health professions education research reports and other forms of scholarship in professional journals and other outlets. Part One addresses scholarship—its varieties, assessment, and attributes of productive scholars and scholarly teams. Part Two maps the road to publication, beginning with what's important and reportable and moving to manuscript planning and writing, gauging manuscript quality, manuscript submission and review, and writing in English. Part Three offers 21 practical suggestions about how to advance a successful and satisfying career in the academic health professions. Concluding remarks encourage health professions educators to pursue scholarship with vision and reflection.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William C. McGaghie

WILLIAM C. MCGAGHIE, PhD, is the Jacob R. Suker, MD, Professor of Medical Education and Professor of Preventive Medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. His work addresses medical and health professions education, research, and evaluation; faculty development and research methodologies.