Tailoring the Professional Development of Volunteer Clinical Faculty at Regional Medical Campuses: A Needs Analysis and Targeted Interventions

Abstract

Volunteer Clinical Faculty (VCF) are essential for the education of medical students at most medical schools with regional campuses. Indiana University School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the United States, with over 1,400 medical students experiencing part or all of their medical education at nine campuses (one academic center and eight regional medical campuses). Given the large number of students learning in the community, we surveyed our VCF in 2016 to better understand their characteristics, reasons for teaching, and professional development needs. Survey participants reported personal enjoyment from teaching as their primary reason for continuing to teach, but time pressure as a limiting factor. They identified faculty development opportunities in areas of efficient teaching, giving feedback, and adapting teaching style for various learners. Interventions were designed to create a unique, state-wide model of both face-to-face and online professional development to ensure the success of our VCF.