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Diversity and Unity in Medical Education
It may be something of a cliche, but clinical education is full of contrasts. This issue of The Clinical Teacher illustrates this well. We have simulation next to symbolism, communication face-to-face and on-line, and interprofessional education alongside teaching in outpatients. To round off, in total contrast to the rest of the articles, there are some wry reflections on dealing with adolescence, and an article describing a remarkable recovery from natural disaster.
As an example of the contrasts, on page 73 Barry Issenbeg summarises the findings of a systematic review (the latest in our series of reports from the BEME collaboration - see March 2007 issue of The Clinical Teacher) of studies about the most effective ways of using high-fidelity simulation in medical training. Although some of the practical tips that emerged from the research may seem obvious, it reminds us of the importance of applying basic educational principles when introducing something new, and of making sure we are not seduced by the novelty of the technology. Meanwhile, on page 78, Elizabeth Gaufberg and Maren Batalden illustrate the power of metaphor in promoting reflection and discussion about personal and challenging issues through the medium of a 'third thing'. ...
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