OVERVIEW:

The Division of Medical Education was established in 1963 to support and encourage the improvement of medical education by providing faculty development; consulting on the design, implementation and revision of educational programs; and conducting research into effective means of delivering medical education. Over the years the division garnered an international reputation under the direction of Stephen Abrahamson, Ph. D. who is still active in the Division as an emeritus faculty. The current director is Maurice A. Hitchcock, Ed. D.

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT:

• Masters Degree

The Division offers a two-year Masters Degree Program for faculty in health professions. The program combines 3-day workshops with additional training using distance education methods, faculty mentoring, and homesite projects. These educational programs focus on developing skills in teaching and learning, evaluation, information management, professional development, and academic leadership. Some 275 participants have received Masters Degree.

• Fellowship Programs

The Division currently offers no fellowship programs, but anticipates offering a program in the fall of 2010.

• Workshops and lectures

The Division currently conducts a variety of workshops and lectures for faculty at KSOM. Please contact our office for details.

•Innovations in Medical Education Conference

Each spring the Division holds a conference attended by medical educators from across the country. The 2-day conference includes nationally known plenary speakers, presentations and posters on educational innovations, and workshops highlighting a variety of skills.   

STANDARDIZED PATIENT:

The Division has an active standardized patient program that provides patients for teaching and evaluation at USC. The program conducts clinical performance exams for all USC students matriculating into the fourth year of medical school as well as Objective Structured Clinical Exams for students in ICM and various clerkships. The program participates as a member of the Southern California Consortium on Standardized Patients, which was created by a grant from the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation.

RESEARCH:

The Division maintains a unit with expertise in psychometrics, research design, and statistical analysis. The unit is active in institutional research at USC (i.e. admission history, and graduation rates).