Key Features of Great Clinical Teachers

“I’m a busy rural doc, not an academic expert; can I be an effective teacher?”

The three “A’s,” Ability, Availability and Affability, that are the hallmark of good physicians turn out to be key characteristics of effective clinical teachers. Consider working on improving feedback techniques to help your students master clinical skills.

Important characteristics

• Clinical competence
• Non judgmental
• Role model 
• Enthusiasm
• Feedback skills
• Availability
• Respectful of learners’ autonomy

More “academic” qualities such as scholarly activity and expertise in evidence- based medicine were less valued by students.

For more about key features of great clinical teachers visit:
Doctors as teachers

Reference:
Buchel T, Edwards F.Characteristics of Effective Clinical Teachers. Fam Med 2005;337(1):30-5

Keys to great clinical teaching Act as a role model Show your enthusiasm Provide feedback No need to pretend to know it all