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Medical Education Distinction

Application deadline: January 1 of MS3

Program Goal

To train physicians who will be well prepared to serve as clinician educators

Student Objectives

  • Provide students with foundational knowledge surrounding adult learning theory, curriculum design and implementation, learner and program assessment, and research methods in medical education
  • Provide opportunities to serve as educators and develop an educational portfolio
  • Prepare the clinician educators of the future

Requirements for Medical Education Distinction

How Do I Earn the Distinction?

  • Apply for Distinction

    By January 1 of MS3

    Students must apply for distinction and can submit their official application once they reach their clerkship.

  • Take Three Electives

    By January 1 of MS4

    • Pre-clerkship electives
    • Med Ed I
    • Med Ed II
    • Post-clerkship elective
    • Med Ed III
  • Complete an 8-week Summer Experience

    During the summer between MS1 and MS2

    Complete an 8-week education-related experience such as:

    • Tutoring
    • Summer project
    • A similar experience
  • Complete a 12-week Scholarly Activity

    During your MS2 or MS3 clerkship

    This includes a scholarly project and additional activities.

  • Complete a Student Project

    During MS4

    Potential projects may include:

    • Development of a curriculum
    • Creation of an interactive teaching session (e.g., TBL) in an existing course
    • Development of an assessment tool
    • Analysis of an existing curriculum or medical education outcome
  • Assemble a Teaching Portfolio

    During MS4

    The student will develop a document that includes their professional accomplishments as an educator. This includes teaching activities, professional development as an educator, awards, and teaching philosophies to be maintained over the course of an academic career.

  • Complete a Thesis and Thesis Presentation

    By March 15 of MS4

    • Complete a written thesis
      • 30-page manuscript
      • Must be approved by the student's thesis committee
    • Complete a thesis presentation
      • Formal presentation
      • Audience must include the student's thesis committee

    By April 1 of MS4

    • The final copy of your thesis must be signed and turned in to the student affairs office for submission to the library.

Distinction Timeline Highlights

  • January 1 of MS4
    Complete all your required courses.
  • March 15 of MS4
    Complete your thesis and thesis presentation.
  • April 1 of MS4
    Sign and turn in your final thesis copy to the Office of Student Affairs for submission to the library.

Contact Us

Kareem AbdelFattah, M.D.

Kareem AbdelFattah, M.D.

Associate Professor, Pediatrics

Kareem.Abdelfattah@UTSouthwestern.edu

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