Medical Education

As we read more about the existing literature in medical education, it's quickly becoming apparent that a wealth of knowledge already exists in the field. It's no surprise that as research in this area is evolving, some discussion is focused on how the research should actually be carried out, rather than the actual educational topics themselves. It becomes more of a philosophical discussion rather than a scientific one, the kind we are less comfortable in. On the one hand, Geoff Norman advocates for a reductionist approach to research in medical education, the kind very similar to the evidence-based medicine we've been exposed to all throughout medical school. He believes in controlled studies where only one variable is altered at a time to assess for its effect, much like how an RCT comparing two drugs would take place. In contrary, Glenn Regehr, who was apparently Geoff Norman's student at one time, believes that medical education research is far more complex, with many more variables and factors that need to be taken into consideration. A simple randomized trial is likely insufficient. It's quite intriguing reading the rebuttals between these two, as they certainly provide more perspective on the directions that research in medical education are potentially headed. Having gone through many years of scientific education, I lean more on the side of Geoff Norman, and believe that controlled trials would provide the most objective information. However, I certainly think Glenn Rgehr's points are crucial as well, as any time human behaviors come into play, things are no longer so black and white. Sociological, psychological and other factors could confound results even in the best-designed RCT. At the end of the day, only time will tell the direction that medical education research is going. As a learner, I feel very fortunate that so many individuals are constantly looking for better ways to disseminate the ever-growing body of knowledge in medicine.

I thought I'd end the entry with a joke of the day:
What are the strongest days of the week? Saturday and Sunday, because the other days of the week are weeak-days.

-Roy