Faculty Development in Medical Education: From Teaching Competencies to Academic and Institutional Development

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Abstract

Introduction: Faculty development is a strategy for strengthening faculty members’ educational capabilities and has evolved from interventions focused on teaching competencies toward approaches that incorporate academic development, scholarship, leadership, and organizational change.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics and types of faculty development interventions carried out in medical education between 2012 and 2026, according to Kirkpatrick's levels, using results documented in teachers, students, and academic organizations.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and Embase. Primary studies addressing structured faculty development interventions in medical education were included. Outcomes were synthesized and classified according to the Kirkpatrick framework, and methodological quality was assessed using the 2018 Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Of 370 records identified, 35 publications corresponding to 34 empirical studies were included.

Results: Interventions ranged from brief activities to longitudinal programs and fellowships. K1–K2 outcomes were frequently reported, while several programs documented changes in teaching practice, scholarship, leadership, academic advancement, curriculum development, and organizational outcomes. Higher-level outcomes tended to be observed in programs that integrated longitudinal approaches, experiential learning, mentoring, peer collaboration, authentic projects, and institutional support.

Conclusions: Faculty development extends beyond the improvement of teaching competencies toward broader academic and institutional development. Characteristics related to higher-level outcomes often coexist within complex interventions; therefore, independent causal relationships cannot be established.

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Published

2026-10-15

How to Cite

1.
Galarza López J, Borroto Cruz ER. Faculty Development in Medical Education: From Teaching Competencies to Academic and Institutional Development. Educación Médica Superior [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 15 [cited 2026 Oct. 18];40. Available from: https://ems.sld.cu/index.php/ems/article/view/5372

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Artículos de revisión