Fellow

While not a necessary requirement to land a role in medical education, fellowships can offer aspiring educators a leg up on landing a position in medical education. Furthermore, as the field develops obtaining some of the bigger educational roles such as program director may begin requiring completion of a fellowship or Masters.  Most medical education fellowships are one year long. The fellowship essentially makes you an Assistant/Associate Program Director so that you can learn the annual routine of a residency program. To be involved in medical education, you don’t necessarily need a medical education fellowship. Other fellowships such as simulation or ultrasound are also good launching platforms to obtain an education position. Most fellowships are one year, however some allow for a two-year program that often includes obtainment of a certificate or Masters degree.

• Emergency Medicine Residents' Association (EMRA) Education Fellowship Directory & Fellowship Guide
• SAEM Fellowship Directory

Much like a fellowship, a Masters is not viewed as necessary to land a role in medical education, though it does offer a way to strengthen one's educational credentials. A Masters is especially helpful for those seeking more involvement in undergraduate medical education, especially at the Dean or Assistant Dean level. A variety of relevant Masters are available: Masters in Education, Health Professional Education, Academic Medicine, etc. Most programs do not look for a specific degree, though they do allow for different focuses.  

Many education fellowships offer two-year options which include receiving a Masters. Otherwise, Masters can be obtained from many local institutes at night. In addition, many programs are beginning to offer Masters programs in education online.

• Harvard Macy Institute Program for Educators in Health Professions: This renowned program for medical educators focuses on six themes - the science of learning, teaching skills and strategies, inquiry and evidence in education, curriculum design, leadership development, and innovations in education. The application process is fairly selective and many attendees are repeat applicants.
• Academic Life in Emergency Medicine (ALiEM) Faculty Incubator: This year-long professional development program for educators offers a limited enrollment of only 30 people. The extensive curriculum is built upon an experiential model and includes advanced training in medical education and scholarship development. Each month focuses on a different topic led by nationally-renowned educators. The program includes unique opportunities to speak at national conferences, book clubs, and journal clubs.