DELIVERING TRAINING IN TEACHING SKILLS TO HOSPITAL DOCTORS

We describe a course in effective teaching skills delivered by the Sta ff Development Unit of the University of Birmingham within Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. The course was structured so that as many doctors as possible could attend and become part of a network sharing an inte rest in medical teaching. An initial introductory half-day was followe d by 13 monthly one-hour lunchtime sessions. Fifty-six doctors attende d at least one session and formed a mailing list to receive relevant d ocuments. Of those returning feedback forms, all found the sessions en joyable and felt they had gained in knowledge. The majority felt they had gained in skills and many commented on the value of being able to discuss medical teaching issues with colleagues and the tutors. The ne twork of colleagues continues to meet and is actively involved with de velopments in the university undergraduate medical curriculum. This wa y of delivering training in medical teaching is practical and successf ul, and contributes to improving a hospital's learning environment.