The TF’s format has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of academic medicine and learners. The program continues to be highly interactive and high yield. Participants attend two five-day in-person phases and complete a year-long education-focused project in between. They engage in small group learning, give presentations to each other, and practice giving and receiving feedback, under the guidance of seasoned faculty educators. It is the training program where many prominent educators got their start in education.

Two-Phase Program

The two in-person phases are now integrated into ACEP’s Accelerate conference, providing participants with even more opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. This integration allows TF participants to engage with a broader community of educators and leaders and gives them more time between the phases to complete their projects.

“The most valuable part of the TF was the community. I left with a national network of educators, collaborators, and — most meaningfully — lifelong friends,” said Shayne Gue, program director, BayCare Health System in Tampa, Fla., TF class of 2022.

During the TF, the first phase focuses on foundational skills critical for every educator, such as curriculum design, effective speaking, slide design, bedside teaching, and feedback. During Phase 1, each participant delivers a “microteaching” presentation within a small group led by a faculty member and receives feedback. During Phase 2, the focus is on leadership and more advanced topics, such as communication, keys to career success, negotiations, mentorship, and program leadership. In Phase 2, each participant presents their projects. Participants also leave with a strong professional identity as educators. The emphasis on interactive learning, reflection, and feedback equips fellows with knowledge, but it also helps spark the curiosity that supports lifelong development as academic physicians.