Aspiring to medical education

Medical professionals now can enhance their teaching skills, thanks to David Stein, associate professor of workforce development and adult learning.

He created the MA in Biomedical Education with colleagues at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State’s College of Medicine. The degree appeals to medical school faculty, medical fellows and residents aspiring to instruct in academic medicine or in teaching hospitals.

“As an alternative to getting a master’s in a clinical area, future MDs can now earn a master’s in education, with emphasis on how to teach medical content effectively,” Stein said.

Many medical teaching employers now require training in education, even credentialed training, which makes the degree especially relevant. An added benefit: The program is mostly online in response to medical professionals’ varied work hours.

Stein presents the courses on adult learning theory and teaching pedagogy. Medical faculty teach topics such as how to use simulation effectively.

The degree grooms master teachers who will prepare future physicians.