Language

English

Publication Date

4-1-2025

Journal

Medical Science Educator

DOI

10.1007/s40670-024-02234-2

PMID

40352999

PMCID

PMC12058585

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

11-25-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Purpose: The Professional Educator Appreciation and Recognition (PEAR) awards program was created by students at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in 2020 to recognize exemplary educators. We reviewed our 3-year experience of this initiative to identify characteristics of award-winning educators, and to assess the award's impact.

Materials and methods: We reviewed the title, department, and clinical affiliation of award winners. Using ChatGPT, we qualitatively analyzed de-identified nomination narratives to identify themes of educator characteristics most valued by students. Following refinement by the study team, each award was then assigned one or more themes. Unsolicited thank-you emails were reviewed to consider the impact of the award upon recipients.

Results: Of 202 award recipients, most were near-peers (two-thirds were assistant professors or residents). Winners were affiliated with diverse departments and disciplines. Students most valued outstanding teaching skills (36.6%), showing support by being kind, encouraging, or approachable (26.7%), and investing time in trainees via constructive feedback (26.7%). Unsolicited thank-you emails from 20% of recipients conveyed the meaning of the award for the winning educators.

Conclusions: A review of the BCM PEAR award program identified educator characteristics most valued by students, providing targets for professional development. This low-cost, high-impact initiative may enhance educator wellness and motivate professional behaviors.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02234-2.

Keywords

Professionalism, Awards, Appreciation, Student-led, Educator characteristics

Published Open-Access

yes

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