Kathryn A Mendoza1, Linnea S Hauge, Debra DaRosa. 1. Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Ave., Suite 610, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA. mendozka@evms.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to describe the academic preparation, scope of duties, and scholarly activity of professional educators in surgery departments. METHODS: Educators with doctoral degrees employed as full-time faculty in surgery departments were surveyed to determine terms of employment, academic preparation, scope of duties, and job satisfaction. RESULTS: Twelve of 13 educators responded and participated in the study. Educators spent, on average, 22% of their time on research activities, 33% on administrative responsibilities, 13% on teaching, 13% counseling students and residents, and 7% writing grants. They spent approximately 34% of their time with surgical faculty, 19% with residents/fellows, and 14% with medical students. Educators' contributions to surgery departments included improvements in assessment and evaluation, educational conferences, recruitment, and research productivity. CONCLUSIONS: Professional educators provide support needed to meet the growing demands and requirements of surgical education. Study findings may inform those interested in recruiting a professional educator to their faculty.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to describe the academic preparation, scope of duties, and scholarly activity of professional educators in surgery departments. METHODS: Educators with doctoral degrees employed as full-time faculty in surgery departments were surveyed to determine terms of employment, academic preparation, scope of duties, and job satisfaction. RESULTS: Twelve of 13 educators responded and participated in the study. Educators spent, on average, 22% of their time on research activities, 33% on administrative responsibilities, 13% on teaching, 13% counseling students and residents, and 7% writing grants. They spent approximately 34% of their time with surgical faculty, 19% with residents/fellows, and 14% with medical students. Educators' contributions to surgery departments included improvements in assessment and evaluation, educational conferences, recruitment, and research productivity. CONCLUSIONS: Professional educators provide support needed to meet the growing demands and requirements of surgical education. Study findings may inform those interested in recruiting a professional educator to their faculty.
Authors: Mark Wilson; John McGrath; Samuel Vine; James Brewer; David Defriend; Richard Masters Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2010-03-24 Impact factor: 4.584