There have been concerns about antibiotic resistance for decades. But concerns have grown in recent years as the problem continues to get worse. Various strategies have been used to address it—from medical education, to restricted formularies, to directly observed treatment. Strategies have targeted a variety of groups including doctors, students, allied healthcare professionals (such as […]
I crashed a plane three times today. The first time I crashed into a tree, the second time into a river, and the third time into a bridge. But it is all okay as it only happened on my son’s virtual reality console. I think that I learned a bit—as I managed to stay airborne […]
You are working in an emergency department. You see an 85-year-old man who has fallen at home. He is confused but not in any pain. He has a mild fever, crackles at his left lung base, and slight suprapubic tenderness. He has a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and congestive cardiac failure. He says […]
The first time I read Richard Benson’s book on how to get an F in your exams, I was seriously worried about the future of civilization. When asked for an explanation of the term “hard water,” one student answered “ice.” When asked what natural selection meant, one student wrote that it meant that “the two […]
John Banester (1533 -1610) was an English surgeon and educator. He learned his surgery by going to war—he went on a military expedition to the continent. On his return to England he was keen to pass on what he had learned—and here he is teaching at the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall. […]
In the early days of e-learning there was great enthusiasm, but little evidence of effectiveness. The enthusiasts said that they couldn’t wait for evidence and so went ahead anyway. When evidence did start to emerge, it seemed to suggest that e-learning offered similar outcomes as traditional methods of medical education—which was a good and solid […]
I used to work in a hospital that was run by nuns. Priests also had a role but they were very much in second place. The main job of the priest was to give last rites at cardiac arrests. Catholic priests give last rites to people who are dying—to cleanse them of their sins. Some […]
Assessment is a core component of medical education. Medical students must undergo continual examinations. Postgraduate trainees must pass their annual assessments. And fully qualified doctors must overcome the twin hurdles of appraisal and revalidation. Exams are like death and taxes—you can’t avoid them. Is there anything good to say about exams? Probably only that they […]
Medical risk calculators should not be a step towards cookbook medicine, but help to tease out patients’ thoughts and worries and prejudices […]
Learners have to be active. This is something that I have heard a lot and also said a lot in the years I have been involved medical education. The idea that learners have to be active has driven educators to set up small group teaching, problem based learning, interactive educational resources, and a range of […]