Twelve tips for developing a global community of scholars in health professions education
Subha Ramani, Judy McKimm, Ardi Findyartini, Vishna Devi Nadarajah, Richard Hays, Margaret S. Chisolm, Helena Prior Filipe, Alice Fornari, Elizabeth Kachur, Rashmi A. Kusurkar, Harish Thampy, Keith Wilson
Abstract
Scholarship in Health Professions Education is not just original research, it also includes study of educational processes, and application of new knowledge to practice. The pathways to successful scholarship are not always clear to novice educators. In this article, we describe strategies to establish a Community of Scholars (CoS), where more experienced and senior members guide junior members in scholarship to advance the field. Drawing on Lave and Wenger's concepts of Communities of Practice (CoP), we describe twelve practical tips, which include generation of a shared vision, formation of a global community of scholars, engagement in scholarly initiatives, and development of a professional identity, categorised under three major steps: establish, grow, and sustain the community. The tips embrace inclusivity for diverse cultural contexts which further provide opportunities for Health Professions Educators, interested in forming communities of practice, to work on scholarly outputs and add value to the professional arena.