Exeter hosts first European medical assessment conference

The conference, hosted by the University of Exeter Medical School and Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PUPSMD), is the first time the European Board of Medical Assessors (EBMA) has opened its annual event beyond its own membership, to create a forum for discussing latest research and global best practice and exchanging ideas.

Representatives from 19 countries will attend the (EBMA) Assessment in Medical Education Conference on October 14 and 15. The event is supported by the Academy of Medical Educators and the Association for the Study of Medical education, and is themed around crossing boundaries – between nations, cultures, universities and between undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Adrian Freeman, Professor of Medical Education at the University of Exeter Medical School, and Chair and co-organiser of the conference, said: “Assessment is a really hot topic in medical education, and it’s about much more than just the grades themselves. It’s about ensuring that doctors and specialists are safe to practice, and are committed to patient care. This is an excellent opportunity to bring together experts in this field at a meeting in Europe. At Exeter, we are committed to training graduates who are exceedingly well prepared for clinical practice and, and it is a coup for our locality to host this event.”

The conference will feature a number of key note speakers from Europe and the USA, and will include workshops and a research poster showcase. To find out more, visit the event web page.

Dr Tom Gale, co-organiser and Director of Assessment at PUPSMD is particularly excited about the range of expert sessions on offer: “The EBMA is focused primarily on raising standards of newly qualified doctors across Europe using innovative educational methods. This conference showcases pioneering practice, locally, across Europe and beyond, through evidence based research across many healthcare professions.” Clinical assessment is a major focus at PUPSMD where research has informed advances in international healthcare assessment policy and practice.

Professor Tim Quine, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Exeter, said: “I’m delighted to welcome delegates to Exeter for the first European conference on medical assessment. This is a highly topical issue in medical education. We are proud to lead the way in this field to ensure we develop graduates of distinction who can make a difference in their communities.”

Connect on Twitter and join in the conference conversation: #ExeterEBMA