1. The Wessex Medical Education Mentorship Programme
Dr Ashley Towers
ST6 Paediatric EM, Medical Education Fellow and MEMP Lead
Who are the Wessex Medical Education Fellows and Associates (MEF/MEAs)?
ST3+ trainees, early years consultants and ‘first-5’ GPs with a special interest in Medical Education. The group is supported by HEE Wessex and local Directors of Medical Education (DME), watched over by Associate Dean Dr Rosie Lusznat. Through peer support & close interaction with the ‘Deanery’, MEFs gain professional recognition of their extensive educational activities, with the aim of taking up Lead Educator positions at the end of training.
So what is the Medical Education Mentorship Programme (MEMP) all about?
Junior trainees with a special interest in medical education frequently often find it difficult to find appropriate guidance to broaden their educational experience. Through a 1:1 mentored relationship with a named MEF/MEA, these promising ‘educationalists’ can access individually tailored advice to support their developing educational careers.
How did the MEMP start and how many mentees have enrolled so far?
After MEF approval in 2012, a formal proposal was accepted by HEE Wessex and the DMEs representing each of the Wessex Trusts. It was agreed that formal Educational Supervisor (ES) approval was required for mentees to join the Programme. This allows ES feedback into the Programme and also prevents inappropriate enrolment of underperforming trainees.
7 mentees of various grades are currently enrolled in the programme. There are 22 graduates of the programme as shown in the pie chart.
MEF/MEAs receive specific mentorship training to allow them to help mentees develop their educational portfolio. They can provide support, guidance and advice regarding
What do mentees gain from the MEMP?
Formulation of educational goals
Recommended education courses
Education project ideas
Higher qualifications
Deanery structure explained
How to set up a teaching programme
Who to contact to get more involved
How to get useful feedback and evaluation of a teaching initiative
Educational journals & further reading
What do our mentees say about the Programme?
“The MEF mentorship has been a great experience for me. I have really appreciated the opportunity to discuss ideas and experiences with a senior trainee. It has encouraged me to think about different teaching projects and ways of gaining exposure/experience of medical education at my early career stage, often using successful ideas that my mentor developed in the past as inspiration.”
“One of the most valuable things I have learnt…is not to take on too much – I have found the support and advice given to me has helped me direct my effort where I want to.”
“I'd like to continue in the scheme. It encourages me to continue to teach, particularly when my enthusiasm…is lacking!”
“I have enjoyed exchanging ideas regarding opportunities in teaching and education. It has been useful to get suggestions from someone experienced, with connections in the region.”
You will need to discuss your application with your educational supervisor to seek their approval. Then it’s a simple application form that can be found on the HEE Wessex MEF website.
So how I do apply?
Full information and application details can be found on the HEE Wessex MEF website