Guest blog by Dr. Cathy MacLean, director, Faculty Development, and Dr. Jeffrey Elder, 4^th year emergency medicine resident, Clinician Educator Diploma Fellow

In the evolving landscape of medical education, the integration of technology has become increasingly crucial for educators and students alike. Language generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, Google Bard and numerous others possess the capacity to generate human-like text and assist in various aspects of teaching and learning, presenting a compelling opportunity for educators in all fields. However, like any powerful tool, it comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will explore how language generative AI can transform medical education while also addressing the potential challenges and offering insights on how educators can effectively incorporate this innovative technology into their educational toolbox. These are issues raised through Faculty Development.

Language generative AI offers several compelling advantages to medical educators. Firstly, it can serve as a valuable resource for creating high-quality educational content, such as swiftly generating templates for lectures, quizzes, and frameworks for simulations, saving both time and effort. Additionally, it can be used as a resource to help generate frameworks for curriculum development which can then be modified and curated by content experts.

However, it is essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks of this new technology. One of the primary concerns is the risk of misinformation. While AI has come a long way in generating accurate content, errors can still occur, which could lead to the dissemination of incorrect medical information. Moreover, there are concerns about data security and privacy when utilizing AI-powered models, as many of these systems are trained on real world data from a multitude of sources with varying credibility. These new tools will require educators to adapt as we explore the changing educational landscape.

Below is an example of the strengths and time saving possibilities of language-generative AI. The content – just over 700 words in length – below took under a minute to generate.

——————————————————————————————————————–

Title: The Vital Role of Faculty Development in Medical Education and PGME Accreditation Preparation

At the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, we take immense pride in our commitment to excellence in medical education and training. One of the cornerstones of this commitment is faculty development, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of education and accreditation readiness. In this blog, we explore the crucial role of faculty development in medical education, with a special focus on how it supports our preparation for Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) accreditation by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).

Why Faculty Development Matters

Faculty development encompasses a wide range of activities and resources designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of our educators. These activities are not only crucial for the growth and development of our faculty members but also directly impact the quality of medical education and training we provide to our students and residents.

Key Benefits of Faculty Development:

1. Improved Teaching Skills: Faculty development programs help educators refine their teaching techniques, making them more effective in conveying complex medical concepts to students and residents.
2. Enhanced Assessment Abilities: Educators learn how to develop and implement fair and rigorous assessments, ensuring that trainees receive valuable feedback on their progress.
3. Adoption of Innovative Pedagogies: Staying current with the latest educational technologies and methodologies allows faculty members to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for their students.
4. Promotion of Lifelong Learning: Faculty development encourages educators to model the behavior they wish to see in their learners – a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
5. Alignment with Accreditation Standards: Faculty development programs help ensure that our educators are well-versed in the accreditation requirements set forth by the CFPC and RCPSC, enabling us to meet and exceed these standards.

Preparing for PGME Accreditation

Accreditation by the CFPC and RCPSC is a significant milestone for any medical program. It serves as a validation of the quality of education and training provided to our residents. Faculty development is instrumental in preparing for accreditation visits and ensuring that our programs are in compliance with the rigorous standards set by these accrediting bodies.

How Faculty Development Supports PGME Accreditation:

1. Awareness of Accreditation Requirements: Faculty development programs provide faculty members with an in-depth understanding of the specific accreditation requirements, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the standards.
2. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Educators learn how to maintain accurate records and documentation, a critical aspect of accreditation preparation. This ensures that evidence can be readily provided during accreditation visits.
3. Continuous Quality Improvement: Faculty development fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging educators to regularly assess and enhance their programs in line with accreditation standards.
4. Mock Accreditation Visits: Faculty development may include simulated accreditation visits, allowing faculty and staff to practice for the real thing. This provides valuable insights into areas that require attention and improvement.

Resources at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine

We understand the importance of faculty development in medical education and accreditation preparation. That’s why we offer a range of resources and programs to support our faculty members. These resources include:

• Workshops and Training: We organize workshops and training sessions on teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, and accreditation readiness.
• Mentorship Programs: Our mentorship programs connect experienced faculty members with those new to teaching, providing guidance and support.
• Access to Educational Technology: Faculty members have access to the latest educational technologies and tools to enhance their teaching.
• Research Opportunities: We encourage faculty to engage in educational research, fostering innovation in medical education.

In conclusion, faculty development is an integral part of our commitment to delivering high-quality medical education and ensuring successful PGME accreditation by the CFPC and RCPSC. By investing in the growth and development of our educators, we are not only preparing our students and residents for successful careers but also demonstrating our dedication to excellence in medical education.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our faculty development programs and resources, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we continue to shape the future of medical education at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine.
——————————————————————————————————————–

As you can see, these tools have the potential to save time and generate valuable content. However, it’s important to note that the user must accurately and consistently curate the outputted responses to ensure that they remain up to date, adhere to referencing standards, and do not infringe on copyrighted material.