To the Editor: The growing shortage of medical educators, accentuated by the 20% increase in the number of medical students in Australia in 2007–2008, as described by Joyce and colleagues,1 is a concern that demands attention. It is understandable that clinicians might prioritise the provision of clinical services over the “less urgent” demands of teaching. However, if nothing is done about the shortage of medical trainers, the recent increase in medical student positions will be in vain.
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- Deakin University, Geelong, VIC.
- 1. Joyce CM, Piterman L, Wesselingh SL. The widening gap between clinical, teaching and research work. Med J Aust 2009; 191: 169-172. <MJA full text>
- 2. Andreatta PB, Hillard ML, Murphy MA, et al. Short-term outcomes and long-term impact of a programme in medical education for medical students. Med Educ 2009; 43: 260-267.
- 3. Field M, Burke JM, McAllister D, Lloyd DM. Peer-assisted learning: a novel approach to clinical skills learning for medical students. Med Educ 2007; 41: 411-418.