Teaching the Teachers: Preparing Medical Instructors

You might think that doctors and nurses who teach future physician assistants (PAs) would have specialized training. Surprisingly, many don't! This review looked into training programs for these instructors, called preceptors, to see what they're made of. Preceptors guide PA students, but there's often no standard way to train them. The goal was to find out what's in these programs and how they're designed. Turns out, it's a mixed bag! Some are thorough, while others could use some work. It's like teaching someone to swim without showing them how to do a proper backstroke. Imagine that! Preceptors are like the coaches of the medical world. They help PA students learn and grow. But without proper training, they might not be as effective. This review found that some programs focus on teaching methods, while others delve into evaluating students. But there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's like different schools teaching different styles of math. Some might focus on problem-solving, others on theory. But all aim to make sure students are ready for the real world. When designing these programs, it's important to consider what preceptors need to know. Should they focus on teaching skills or understanding student needs? Or both? It's a tough call. Plus, how long should these programs be? A quick workshop or a long course? Each has its pros and cons. It's like deciding between a quick snack or a hearty meal. Both fill you up, but one might leave you wanting more.