Twelve tips on how to compile a medical educator’s portfolio

Abstract

Medical education is an expanding area of specialist interest for medical professionals. Whilst most doctors will be familiar with the compilation of clinical portfolios for scrutiny of their clinical practice and provision of public accountability, teaching portfolios used specifically to gather and demonstrate medical education activity remain uncommon in many non-academic settings. For aspiring and early career medical educators in particular, their value should not be underestimated. Such a medical educator's portfolio (MEP) is a unique compendium of evidence that is invaluable for appraisal, revalidation, and promotion. It can stimulate and provide direction for professional development, and is a rich source for personal reflection and learning. We recommend that all new and aspiring medical educators prepare an MEP, and suggest twelve tips on how to skillfully compile one.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Notes on contributors

Claudia Lucy Dalton, BSc (Hons), MB ChB, MRCS, DOHNS, is a Specialty Trainee in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery. She is a Health Education England (North-West) appointed Medical Education Fellow with a particular interest in postgraduate surgical training and portfolio development for medical educators.

Anthony Wilson, MA (Cantab), MSci, MRCP, FRCA, FFICM, PGCert, is a Speciality Trainee in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. He is a Health Education England (NorthWest) appointed Medical Education Fellow with a particular interest in self-assessment skills and simulation training.

Steven Agius, BA (Hons), MA, PhD, is an Associate Tutor in Medical Education in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK.