title: Enhancing Capabilities in health professions education.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article documents the results of ongoing summative program evaluation of a suite of postgraduate courses at The University of Western Australia designed to enhance the educational capabilities, academic leadership and scholarly output of health professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Commencing students were invited to participate in this descriptive, longitudinal study that surveyed students at commencement and subsequently over a seven year period. Data was collected at baseline and follow-up in relation to the respondents' educational leadership responsibilities, promotions, involvement in new educational programs, and recognition for contributions towards student learning, educational scholarly outputs and involvement in training programs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The respondents came from a wide range of health professions and worked in various roles, with a quarter already holding leadership positions. During the follow-up period, half reported receiving a new promotion or moving to new positions requiring educational leadership. Those identifying as being involved with the development of new educational programs doubled and 34% received a new teaching award. Scholarly productivity doubled with 45% giving an oral presentation related to education, 21% publishing and 29% being successful in obtaining funding related to an education project.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These postgraduate courses in health professions education appear to be positively influencing graduates' capabilities, especially in the areas of educational leadership skills and scholarly productivity. For those looking to develop a community of leaders in health professions education, the authors offer some suggestions.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Education Centre, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Sandra E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Education Centre, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Education Centre, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Zarrin S
authors.initials: ZS
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Education Centre, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Diana R D
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Jonas-Dwyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004500:Education, Graduate; D005260:Female; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Faculty development; health professions; postgraduate