What makes a good clinical teacher in Medicine? A review of the literature

They conclude that superb teaching is a complex phenomenon.

The authors emphasize these common themes:

  1. Medical/clinical knowledge - obviously this is a sine qua non
  2. Competence and clinical reasoning
  3. Positive relationships with students and supportive learning environment
  4. Communication skills
  5. Enthusiasm

This study suggests that excellent teaching, although multifactorial, transcends ordinary teaching and is characterized by inspiring, supporting, actively involving, and communicating with students. These activities produce an emotional arousal in the student. Sometimes a relationship is forged between the student and teacher. Sometimes this inspiration arises internally from a personal identification with that teacher. We remember our greatest mentors: we either developed relationships with them or patterned ourselves after them. With ease and aplomb, our teachers performed challenging surgeries, respectfully imparted teaching nuggets to students, and spoke with their patients with compassion, and we wanted to be just like them. Many of our behaviors were similar to those of a child following a parent.

We must recognize those who have these skills and reward them.  We must learn if we can teach good teachers to become great.  But most important we must value these teachers!