The development of professional school curricula that include highly integrated courses and active learning educational methodologies has significantly impacted the career paths of many scientists and clinicians involved in the educational process. Over the past decade, there has been a seismic shift away from the traditional medical science teacher, whose duties were often limited to the role of lecturer or course organizer, to a professional educator with a more complex skill set. Nevertheless, the "gold standard" for defining educational excellence at many institutions remains student evaluations of teaching sessions with little regard for other valuable educator accomplishments. This focus session will explore how changes in health professional curricula have induced the shift from medical teachers to educators and how that shift has altered the professional identity of faculty members. Participants will identify and discuss the skills that should be expected of a "modern" medical science educator and what should be the standards for defining educator excellence. This information will be leveraged to help participants identify their educator strengths and opportunities for improvement. 
 

Session Objectives:

This interactive focus session will provide practical information and a framework that participants can use to assess their roles and excellence as educators.