Current Status and Tasks of Faculty Development Programs for Medical Education in Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the current status of faculty development (FD) programs operated by medical colleges and institutions in Korea, and to suggest future-oriented directions for FD. A survey was conducted targeting medical colleges and medical education institutions that operate FD programs. We investigated the reasons for selecting topics, program themes, program operation methods, longitudinal program status, program improvement and quality control methods, the evaluation of the program effects, the outcomes and problems of the programs, and opinions on the latest trends. Twenty-nine out of 40 medical colleges and three out of six institutions responded. Topics were selected based on an analysis of medical education trends and the educational environment in both groups. The most common program themes were assessments in medical colleges, and teaching/learning and curriculum themes in institutions. FD was perceived to induce professors’ and administrators’ interest in medical education and improve the quality of medical education. The most common program method was workshops. Three medical colleges and one institution had longitudinal programs. Participant surveys constituted the most common method of evaluating programs’ effects. Difficulties in publicizing programs and inducing voluntary participation were the most common problems in both groups. New attempts for FD were perceived as the role of external institutions. Based on the results, it is necessary to develop a framework and quality improvement indications for FD programs in the future, and FD programs are expected to be developed through new initiatives, such as longitudinal programs and those focusing on the community of practice.