‘Just a year out’? – Challenges of the clinical teaching fellow

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. The number of clinical teaching fellows (CTF) has increased significantly over the past decade and have become a key stakeholder in medical education, bringing unique benefits and perspectives. There is, however, little in the literature examining the challenges of this role.This study explores the challenges of the CTF role using a phenomenological methodology, reporting on the findings of a workshop held at The Association for the Study of Medical Education's Annual Scientific Meeting in July 2018. Workshop attendees comprised of CTFs, educational administrative staff and consultants with a senior educational role. Attendees' perspectives were recorded on the day and subsequently underwent pattern analysis.Seven key areas of concern were revealed: poorly defined role identity, tension between different aspects of the role, rapid turnover and limited continuity, occasionally inappropriate pastoral role, limited career support, stigma towards the role, and being used as 'rota fodder'. Potential solutions to these challenges were also identified, centring on clear, structured job roles at a local level and a network of past and present CTFs at a national level.This is the first study examining the challenges facing this growing body of educators, and suggests further research is needed to deeper understand and address these issues.