How can we scale up education at a time of doctor shortages and how to widen opportunities for equity and a medical profession that reflects our society?
These are some of the questions Professor Helen Cameron will seek to address in her inaugural lecture at Aston University on Tuesday 21 May.
Currently, the standard model of medical education is closely based on that developed in Northern Europe 300 years ago. However the last 30 years have seen extensive change, based on research, regulation and political imperatives.
However methods of teaching and learning have changed, but assessment more so. There has been a drive to provide reliable assessments aligned to outcomes - a challenging combination with demonstrable strengths and weaknesses.
Such changes have had only a modest impact on two key problems. How to scale up education at a time of doctor shortages and how to widen opportunities for equity and a medical profession that reflects our society. How can a new medical school address these issues?
Professor Helen Cameron is Dean of Medical Education at Aston Medical School. She joins Aston from the University of Edinburgh Medical School, where she was Professor of Undergraduate Medical Education and Director of the Centre for Medical Education.
Professor Cameron said: "I was attracted to Aston Medical School by the challenge of setting up new education programmes including a new MBChB within a new school. I also admired the international vision, the aim of widening participation through the Sir Doug Ellis Healthcare Pathway and the excellent support the university offers its students from all backgrounds and cultures".
The event will take place at 6pm on Tuesday 21 May in room G11 at Aston University. It is free for staff, students and members of the public to attend and includes a drinks reception and an opportunity to network after the lecture.