Teaching in medicine.
This brief review has highlighted the important role of the clinician as a medical teacher. Indeed, it is difficult to be one without the other. The aims and challenges to medical education have been described, together with the various settings in which teaching can occur. The medical teacher has a range of functions, including the development of educational programmes for special groups, a knowledge of a wide range of techniques for medical education and the ability to identify informal teaching situations. Enthusiasm, commitment and motivation are essential as is clinical experience of a wide range of conditions and the ability to be flexible in approach. Teaching is an exciting and creative activity and is the responsibility of all doctors, not just a few 'medical educators'.
D004501:Education, Medical; D010819:Physician's Role; D012380:Role