Personal and Professional Development module (BM40054)

All doctors are required to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, lifelong learning. This manifests in the ability to identify, engage with and present evidence of:

• Continuing professional development (CPD).
• The planning, development, delivery and evaluation of learning activities.
• Participation in professional scholarly activities.

This module is designed for you to develop an understanding of CPD and lifelong learning. It also provides an opportunity to practically apply the learning from all elements of the BMSc in Medical Education and develop a portfolio of genuine teaching experience which demonstrates your competencies as an educator and a scholar.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the structure of medical education and training in Scotland and other locales
• explore the concept of scholarship and become involved in related activities
• receive guidance on academic career development and balancing service delivery with professional development
• develop an understanding of important cultural concepts relevant to education and CPD
• develop a portfolio which evidences your personal development as an educator
• apply for formal accreditation with Advance HE, an internationally recognised institution which works to improve higher education standards globally

By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• identify opportunities and contribute to the development of professional scholarly activities related to teaching and learning 
• appraise critically your professional values and approaches to your ongoing learning and development
• understand the professional, ethical and legal dimensions of teaching and assessment
• relate theory to practice by identifying opportunities for and planning continuing professional development and lifelong learning 
• demonstrate, through a reflective teaching portfolio, your achievement of all outcomes of the BMSc in Medical Education
• apply for Associate Fellowship of Advance HE

Assignments / assessment

• Coursework: a written portfolio (100%)

This module has no final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

This module is a mix of prescribed and self-directed learning activities. All teaching is planned to be face-to-face within the University.

Teaching will be delivered by academic staff with specific interests and expertise.

There will be opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts in this module by visiting relevant institutions and engaging in academic events. Examples include:

• visiting the Scottish Parliament and meeting the local Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)
• visiting the General Medical Council's Scottish headquarters
• attending local and national academic conferences such as:
  • ASME Researching Medical Education Conference
  • NADEGS conference (Scottish Academic Primary Care Conference)
  • University of Dundee General Practice Undergraduate Educators Conference