Looking back to the future: A message for a new generation of medical educators. Harden RM. Med Educ. 2011; 45:777-784.
Available online from the Baystate Health Sciences Library or from PubMed at your institution.
Ah, July... A new crop of students or residents for many of us educators and, even if your academic year is different, July is a fantastic time to make professional resolutions. You might remember I tried to encroach on your resolutions last year, and I enjoyed invading your personal goal-setting so much, that I decided to make it an annual event.
SO, that brings me to Ronald Harden. Harden brings us "back to the future" in this article by reflecting on his career in medical education in order to offer his list of Lessons Learned.
I know it's tempting, but try NOT to jump straight to the Lessons Learned. "But, Rebecca!" you'll say, "It's a list with short paragraphs and bolded headings!" I know, I know. But trust me when I pull out my inner qualitative researcher to tell you that "context matters." Read where he has been to recognize the value in his words.
And the value is great. Harden was an endocrinologist in Glasgow when he started as junior doctor. His passion for medical education grew and his perception of the influence of his colleagues, students, and his environment are palpable. His reflection is part medical education history, part UK medical education yearbook, and part graduation speech, balancing a determination to improve education with the good fortune to be in a position to do it.
But let's be honest. The Lessons Learned in this article are what you're going to read on the elevator.
And here's where your resolutions will evolve. Take heed that you, as a clinical educator, regardless of your profession, can be just a bit more awesome than you already are by reflecting on what Harden's lessons mean for you. Innovation. Nudges. Practicality. Collaborators. Funding. Publishing. Fun. These are not a menu of choices for educators: they are priorities for success. Make a resolution for each of these. For example.
Lesson 3: Nudges are important. What small, powerful innovation can you promote in your area?
Lesson 6: There is always something to learn outside of your practice. Too true. Go to a lecture or talk that is NOT given by your profession or your department. Crash someone else's grand rounds.
Lesson 10: Have fun! Well, I do not condone this one, BUT if you must enjoy what you do, take your work, not yourself, very seriously.
Ron Harden has a successful, international career based on advancing medical education. He's been senior editor of journals, keynote speaker at international conferences, and has held several leadership roles professionally. But Ron Harden started one July, many years ago, as a junior clinician. Like you.
So Happy New Year! Read this article and make some resolutions for your own career. Then write about your path, and I'll link to it. Promise.
