Scholarship in teaching and best evidence medical education: synergy for teaching and learning

Abstract

Medical education has lagged behind research and clinical care in developing a value system and social construct that promotes and stimulates the open discussion of the state of the art in teaching among teachers. The recent development of best evidence medical education (BEME) in Europe and the renewed attention to the concept of scholarship in North America provide a conceptual and strategic approach for enhancing the educational enterprise in the health professions. The similarities and differences between BEME and an approach to Scholarship in Teaching developed by a subcommittee of the Group on Educational Affairs of the Association of American Medical Colleges is examined. Combining these two approaches to medical teaching can maximize the potential for advancing the science and art of medical education.