How Basic Science Medical Educators Express Knowledgeability in the Medical Education Landscape of Practice

• In Event: Restorative Identity Formation in Professions Education

Abstract

Professional identity formation of basic science medical educators has recently been described; however, little is known about their unique knowledgeability, which encompasses both competence and identity. We drew on 58 in-depth interviews with BSME from 7 US allopathic medical schools to examine how they expand competence and identity developed in their biomedical research communities through interactions in the landscape of medical education practice. We found that BSME knowledgeability centers around translating foundational aspects of scientist identity and practice (e.g. mechanistic understanding, critical thinking), and connecting biomedical science knowledge to the practice of healthcare in alignment with students’ goals to become competent physicians. Our findings advance understanding of the concept of knowledgeability and inform targeted faculty development for BSME.

Authors

• Tracy Boswell Fulton, University of California - San Francisco

• Joanna Veazey Brooks, University of Kansas

• Bonny Dickinson, Mercer University