The UAB Emergency Medicine Medical Education Fellowship is designed to develop future leaders in academic emergency medicine by providing a structured, immersive experience in medical education. This fellowship bridges the gap between clinical excellence and educational expertise, equipping fellows with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to excel as educators, researchers, and mentors in the field of emergency medicine.
Through hands-on teaching, curriculum development, educational research, and leadership training, fellows will refine their ability to design innovative instructional methods, implement evidence-based teaching practices, and integrate technology into education. The program fosters a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and scholarly engagement, ensuring that fellows are well-prepared to shape the next generation of emergency medicine physicians.
At the core of this fellowship is the belief that exceptional medical educators are essential to the future of emergency medicine. Our graduates will be well-equipped to drive change in their institutions, influence national conversations in medical education, and make lasting contributions to the advancement of emergency medicine training.
Objectives
- Master the Art of Teaching: Develop expert educators who excel in evidence-based instruction, innovative curriculum design, technology-enhanced learning, and learner-centered education. Fellows will gain proficiency in assessment strategies that foster critical thinking and skill mastery.
- Advance Educational Research: Equip fellows with the skills to conduct high-impact research in medical education, contribute meaningful scholarship to the field, and effectively disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and national conferences.
- Lead and Inspire: Cultivate visionary leaders who mentor the next generation of educators, advocate for excellence in emergency medicine education, and drive transformative change within academic and clinical settings.
Fellowship Position
The fellowship is a one-year position with both clinical and academic/administrative responsibilities. The fellow will work clinically for 64 hours a month (typically 8- or 12-hour shifts) and there are ample opportunities for moonlighting available. Fellows participate in weekly image review and didactics for residents and medical students as well as weekly ultrasound business/research meetings followed by various educational sessions throughout the week for the fellow to learn and teach advanced topics.
Salary is competitive and travel to a minimum of two conferences is required with funds set aside to support this. If you have any questions regarding our fellowship, please do not hesitate to contact us (information below).
Curriculum
The UAB Emergency Medicine Medical Education Fellowship offers a comprehensive, structured curriculum with both one-year and two-year options. The first year follows a standardized 12-month curriculum, strategically divided into four quarters, each designed to progressively enhance the fellow’s expertise in medical education.
- Quarter 1 (July – September): Foundations of Medical Education (educational theory, adult learning principles, and institutional structure)
- Quarter 2 (October – December): Curriculum Development & Assessment (needs assessment, instructional design, and learner evaluation)
- Quarter 3 (January – March): Instructional Strategies & Technology (active learning, simulation, gamification, and technology integration)
- Quarter 4 (April – June): Scholarship & Leadership (mentorship and educational research study design, execution, and dissemination)
Throughout the year, fellows will have longitudinal experiences that supplement and enhance their training:
- Master of Education in Health Professions (MEHP) (Optional 2-Year Track): Fellows pursuing the two-year track will integrate graduate coursework into their schedule, completing a master’s degree at an institution of their choice (e.g., University of Pennsylvania, NYU, University of Chicago).
- ACEP Teaching Fellowship: A nationally recognized two-week intensive program (one week in August and one in March) that strengthens teaching and leadership skills. Fellows will develop a scholarly project for presentation.
- CORD Medical Education Fellowship Community of Practice (CoP): An annual gathering at the CORD Academic Assembly, coupled with monthly virtual journal club participation.
- Journal of Education & Teaching in Emergency Medicine (JETem) Reviewer Role: Fellows will gain experience as peer reviewers, critiquing 2-5 articles per year for a leading open-access medical education journal.
For fellows pursuing the two-year track, the second year is fully tailored to their individual interests and career goals, allowing for deeper specialization and leadership development. Potential areas of focus include:
- Undergraduate Medical Education (UME): Fellows may specialize in medical student education, with opportunities to design curricula, lead clerkships, develop and evaluate SLOEs, and mentor students preparing for residency.
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): Fellows may concentrate on resident education, faculty development, simulation-based training, and competency-based assessment, enhancing their expertise in shaping the next generation of emergency medicine physicians.
This flexible second-year curriculum provides fellows with advanced opportunities to refine their skills, take on leadership roles, complete their master’s coursework, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of medical education.
Application
To apply, submit the following to the Fellowship Program Director and Education Coordinator.
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation
- A letter of interest.
Contact
Emily Grass, M.D.
Program Director
egrass@uabmc.edu
Heather Kirk
Education Administrator
hkirk@uabmc.edu