Background:
In addition to patient care and research activity, physicians
working in medical school hospitals serve as teachers in undergraduate medical education. However, teaching qualifications of German university hospital
physicians have not been studied in great detail.
Methods:
In January 2009, medical students as well as physicians involved
in medical teaching at Göttingen Medical School, Germany, were invited to
complete an online survey addressing their views on clinical teachers’ educational
skills. In addition, physicians’ motivation to engage in pedagogical
training was assessed.
Results:
During a 12-day period, 359 students and 126 physicians involved
in undergraduate medical education completed the survey. The latter did not
feel well prepared for their teaching activities. At the same time, they expressed
the willingness to improve their teaching skills. Students felt that, across all
instructional methods, teachers would benefit from teacher training programs.
Conclusion:
In order to improve undergraduate education for future physicians,
politicians and local representatives alike must set the scene for the
implementation of faculty development measures in German medical
schools.