Carol Hodgson, director of the IDEAS Office, says the office will increase the quality and quantity of health professions education research at UAlberta.
Excellence in research and education are driving forces behind the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD), but for faculty members who spend most of their time teaching or in clinic, it can be hard to know where to start. The Innovation Discovery Education And Scholarship (IDEAS) Office makes it easier for busy clinicians and trainees to get involved in health professions education (HPE) research.
The office, which officially opened its door in October, will be a hub for HPE scholarship, help facilitate research activities and increase the quality and quantity of HPE research at the University of Alberta.
"There are a lot of people who want to get more involved in research but feel like they don't have the time or experience," said Carol Hodgson, director of the IDEAS Office and the J. Allan Gilbert Chair in Medical Education Research. "We can help them get there."
Hodgson describes the office as a think tank where people can bring ideas forward, collaborate and learn. The office is open to all members of the FoMD including community physicians and trainees.
"It's a research office, but it's also here to support the faculty," said Hodgson.
Since the office has opened, Hodgson says that they have had people coming in with ideas that they wanted to pursue but were not sure how. The office can help with some of the initial hurdles like going through ethics approval and defining what the scope of the research.
"It's a partnership with clinicians and educators in all disciplines. We have the expertise in HPE research, but don't have access to patients and learners in the same way other faculty members do. They have access and they have questions based on what they do every day," said Hodgson. "They want to study these questions and make education better. We are there to help them do that."
The office will also help faculty members learn to be better teachers, as well as supporting units with implementing and evaluating new programs.
Hodgson has been an advocate for this type of office since she joined the FoMD in 2010.
"I want to look at educating physicians and patients and look at outcomes. If you're looking at something that has an effect on patient outcomes you're doing something really important," said Hodgson. "If we can positively change practice in some way and impact patient care that would be the most fantastic thing."
Some of the current projects on the go at the IDEAS Office include working to evaluate the summer studentship program and evaluating the preparation of graduate students.
The IDEAS Office will have an impact on an individual level, as members of the IDEAS Office may undertake research that will assist them in applying for promotions or changing the direction of their career.
Hodgson encourages anyone who is passionate about something related to education to set up a meeting with the IDEAS Office.
"If you're excited about something come in and talk to us, we can always make something work."
Visit theIDEAS Office website for more information on membership and upcoming courses.