A workforce study of emergency medicine medical education fellowship directors: Describing roles, responsibilities, support, and priorities. Issue 5 (17th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golden, Andrew; Diller, David; Riddell, Jeffrey; Jordan, Jaime; Gisondi, Michael; Ahn, James
• Is Part Of: AEM education and training. Volume 6:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-09-17
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Emergency medicine -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10799
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2472-5390

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Despite emergency medicine (EM) medical education fellowships increasing in number, the position of the medical education fellowship director (FD) remains incompletely defined. The goal of this study was to characterize the roles, responsibilities, support, and priorities for medical education FDs. Methods: We adapted and piloted an anonymous electronic survey consisting of 31 single‐answer, multiple‐answer, and free‐response items. The survey was distributed to FDs via listserv and individual emails from a directory compiled from multiple online resources. We used descriptive statistics to analyze data from items with discrete answer choices. Using a constructivist paradigm, we performed a thematic analysis of free‐response data. Results: Thirty‐four medical education FDs completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 77%. Thirty‐eight percent of respondents were female. Fifty‐three percent earned master's degrees in education and 35% completed a medical education fellowship. Most respondents held other education leadership roles including program director (28%), associate/assistant program director (28%), and vice chair (25%). Sixty‐three percent received support in their role, including clinical buy‐down (90%), administrative assistants (55%), and salary (5%). There was no difference (χ 2 [2, n = 32] = 1.77, p = 0.41) between availability of support and type of hospital (community, university, or public hospital). Medical education FDs dedicated a median of 12 h per month to fellowship responsibilities, include education (median 35% of time), program administration (25%), research mentorship (15%), and recruitment (10%). Medical education FDs describe priorities that can be categorized into three themes related to fellows, fellowship, and institution. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the current position and experience of medical education FDs. The results can clarify the role and responsibilities of FDs as the demand for medical education FDs increases.