Master of Science: Medical Education Leadership

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Education Leadership; (Certificate in Program Development or Certificate in Leadership Development can be acquired also. See details below).

College: College of Osteopathic Medicine

Department: Division of Clinical Affairs

Contact:  For curriculum and program information, contact India Broyles, EdD, MMEL Director, at the Medical Education Leadership Office, 1-207-602-2694 or at ibroyles@une.edu

For information about the application process for the Medical Education Leadership programs, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission through email at gradadmissions@une.edu or by phone at 1-800-477-4863

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Overview
The Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership (MMEL) is a joint project between the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of New England and the Office of Medical Education at Maine Medical Center.  The purpose of this program is to prepare individuals to assume or enhance educational leadership roles in a variety of medical and health care training programs.  The new program is designed to provide advanced education in the areas of curriculum & instruction, leadership & administration, and educational research & evaluation with opportunities for application to each individual’s unique professional environment.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Medical Education Leadership Program will be implemented through teaching, research, and service. The goals of the Medical Education Leadership program are:

• Teaching:  To prepare medical and health professionals to grow as educators and leaders in   academic settings.
• Research: To contribute to the knowledge base of the field of medical education and leadership by refining existing knowledge or developing new knowledge.
• Service: To provide technical assistance and professional service to academic sites within Maine and New England.

Program Approvals

The Master of Science in Medical Eduation was approved by the UNE Board of Trustees on June 1, 2007.  The Maine State Board of Education unanimously approved on the programs on May 14, 2008

Program Goals
The program reflects a vision of the medical education leader as a master teacher and executive leader.  The student outcomes are adapted from the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards in educational leadership.

A medical education leader promotes the success of all learners by:

• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the health care community.
• Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining an institutional culture and an instructional program conducive to student learning and faculty professional growth.
• Ensuring the management of the organization and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Collaborating with physicians and health care community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
• Conducting, promoting and mentoring medical education research and scholarship as the profession moves toward evidence-based education.

Application for admissions into the Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership program and certificates must be submitted with all supplemental materials (personal statement, transcripts, reference letters, etc.) to Graduate Admissions, University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103.  Deadlines for applications are July 15 (fall admission) or December 1 (spring admission).  Only entirely complete applications by the due date will be considered by the Admissions committee. Incomplete applications will be rolled to the next semester for consideration of possible admission.  Students may enroll in up to two courses as non-matriculated students on a space available basis while completing their applications. 

Prerequisites
Prerequisites to participating in the MMEL/certificates include, but are not limited to:

   •  A sincere interest in continuing professional development in medical education.
   •  The potential to improve practice through application of new knowledge and skills.
   •  Current employment in a setting conducive to applying course concepts and strategies.
   •  The ability to pursue rigorous online graduate study.

Requirements

   •  Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution or international college or university.
   •  Undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0.
 

Technology Requirements

Students are expected to have access to the Internet and computer audio capability. Courses in the medical education leadership programs are delivered by WebCT (an online format with audio component).

Addtional Requirements

The application process for master’s degree will require completion of an application form, submission of a current Curriculum Vita or Resume, a personal statement describing the applicant’s interests in pursuing a Master’s in Medical Education Leadership, and three letters of reference.  Matriculated students will have first option for registration.  Individuals may enroll as non-matriculated students by completing the course registration form; this process allows the non-matriculated student to complete two courses before formal admission to the program.

Procedures and Policies

Application procedures to be admitted to the program consist of the following steps:

Applicants may apply to the program through our online application. Detailed instructions are included in the online application. Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions at 800-477-4863, ext. 4225 or gradadmissions@une.edu.

Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students who do not wish to seek a degree or certificate may enroll in individual courses as a non-matriculated student. These students may take a maximum of two courses. Students wishing to take more than two courses in the program must apply to UNE and be formally accepted into the program prior to enrolling for the third course. Students cannot move from non-matriculated to matriculated status within the same semester.  Matriculated students will be given priority over non-matriculated students in cases where courses are filled to capacity.

To enroll as a non-matriculated student, a completed course registration form is all that is required. There is no application fee; however, students admitted under this status will pay an additional non-refundable program fee of $25 per semester.   Please request a Non-matriculated Registration Form from the Graduate Admissions Office (207-221-4225) or the MMEL office (207-602-2694).

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing

Transfer Credit
Upon acceptance to the program, students may apply to transfer up to two 3-credit graduate level courses (maximum of 6 credits) into the MMEL.  The courses must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be graduate-level courses taken after the receipt of any other degree.
2. Must have been taken within the last five years.
3. Must have been taken at an accredited college or university.
4. Must have a grade of 'B' or higher.
5. Must be equivalent to courses required in the MMEL program or used as an elective.

To request consideration for transfer credit, students must provide an official transcript, a course syllabus and outline, and a succinct statement justifying the course equivalency of the course (or courses) for which they are requesting transfer credit. Materials will be reviewed by the MMEL Director. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty and the Admissions Committee.

Individuals who have completed 9 credits in one of our certificates (Program Development or Leadership Development) may complete the balance of their program if they apply and are accepted as a matriculated student in the master’s program.

Advanced Standing
Students taking courses in either the Program Development Certificate or Leadership Development Certificate at UNE may apply to the MMEL program and request advanced standing at any time during their course of study in UNE's certificate program.  However, students must do so within five years of completing the certificate course or within five years of completing the graduate certificate.

 "A competency-based program for leaders in medical education"

Master of Science: Medical Education Leadership (33 credits)

The Master of Science curriculum totals 33 credits.  Courses will be offered continuously over each 12-month cycle. Students will be required to develop an electronic professional portfolio as evidence of their competence in the eight medical educational leadership standards. Students will also submit one exhibit from each course. The portfolio will include exhibits that show growth in written and oral communication skills as well as medical education leadership standards.   
MEL 604 Curriculum Program Development                              3 credits
MEL 605 Improving Instructional Effectiveness                        3 credits
MEL 606 Learner Assessment & Program Evaluation              3 credits
MEL 610 Leadership Skills in Academic Medicine                    3 credits
MEL 611 Prof Dev: Developing a Culture Life-long Learning    3 credits
MEL 612 Organizational Development: Foster Learn Envir      3 credits
MEL 620 Research and Evaluation in Med Education               3 credits
MEL 651-652 Applied Project in Curriculum or Leadership       6 credits
MEL 630-699 Electives or Independent Study                          6 credits

Certificate: Program Development (9 credits)

This nine-credit hour program provides students with the core program development concepts in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This set of courses is one of the foundations for the UNE Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership.  

MEL 604 Curriculum Program Development                              3 credits
MEL 605 Improving Instructional Effectiveness                        3 credits
MEL 606 Learner Assessment & Program Evaluation              3 credits

Certificate: Leadership Development (9 credits)

This nine-credit hour program provides students with the core leadership development concepts in personnel development, organization development, and leadership skill training. This set of courses is one of the foundations for the UNE Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership.                                                                                                                                          

MEL 610 Leadership Skills in Academic Medicine                    3 credits
MEL 611 Professional Development: Culture Lifelong Learn   3 credits
MEL 612 Organizational Development: Foster Learn Envir      3 credits

 

MEL Course Detail

MEL 604 Curriculum Design & Program Development (3 cr)    Instructor: India Broyles, EdD

Learners will be able t  Establish a vision of curriculum and learning· Conduct curriculum needs assessment · Use the elements and principles of curriculum design in the development of lessons, units, and programs· Design competency-based curriculum based on learning outcomes and performance indictors· Integrate cultural and learning diversity· Apply technology as a curriculum tool· Establish a curriculum and program governance system

MEL 605 Improving Instructional Effectiveness (3 cr)     Instructor: Evelyn Schwalenberg, DO

Learners will be able t  Understand adult learning theory and its application to instructional design· Teach effectively in a variety of settings using appropriate teaching strategies (small group, large-groups, and clinic settings)· Align teaching strategies to curriculum outcomes· Teach through electronic media and simulation cases· Use internal and external venues to evaluate ones’ teaching including self-assessment, peer assessment, and learner evaluation.  · Analyze the literature of medical education research and evaluate the methods of educational experiments

MEL 606 Learner Assessment & Program Evaluation (3 cr)   Instructor: Jeff Beaudry, PhD

Learners will be able to· Understand theories of assessment and evaluation · Assess student beliefs, values, and attitudes· Align the types of assessment tools with learning outcomes and performance indicators· Construct effective tests and assessment projects assuring validity and reliability· Assess competencies using integrative tools such as simulations and student portfolio· Plan admission and selection processes

MEL 610 Leadership Skills in Medical Education  (3 cr)    Instructor: Bob Bing-You, MD, MSEd, MBA

Learners will be able t  Define multiple leadership theories and styles and conduct a self-assessment of their own preferred style· Describe the various intelligences [e.g., Gardner’s Multiple; emotional; political], and evaluate their interplay in varied settings· Analyze and apply oral and written communication methods for effectiveness· Develop a schema for Doing-Things-Right [e.g., effective management skills, meeting management, prioritization techniques, group/consensus decision making, succession planning].· Select appropriate negotiation techniques and apply them in different settings.· Conduct effective meetings  · Use strategies for managing one's boss· Establish protocols for community and media relations with sensitivity to the diversity of the institution and community· Develop marketing strategies and processes· Model ethical and professional behaviors including concern for confidentiality and privacy of personnel matters· Develop an approach to dealing with difficult individuals (e.g., employees, co-workers, supervisors, and colleagues) and describe methods for crisis management

MEL 611 Professional Development: Developing a Culture of Life-long Learning [3 cr] 

Instructors: Ann Skelton, MD & Jodi Lerman, MS

Learners will be able t Evaluate and resolve common human resources issues· Describe best approaches to hire, engage and retain staff· Apply concepts in teambuilding and communication styles· Hold a difficult conversation to resolve conflict· Evaluate and resolve personnel situations that have legal and ethical issues· Establish personnel supervision, assessment and evaluation policies and techniques including the professional portfolio· Inspire “possibility” thinking· Set SMART performance goals· Address performance improvement opportunities· Provide meaningful recognition for positive contributions

MEL 612 Organizational Development: Fostering a Learning Environment (3 cr)

Instructors: Bob Bing-You, MD MSEd, MBA & Jo Linder, MD

Learners will be able t Identify theories of organizational structure with analysis of the benefits and disadvantages of these models [e.g., corporate social responsibility].· Develop a method of Doing-the-Right-Thing in the process of strategic planning and management· Analyze methods of interacting with external and internal stakeholders (e.g., apply marketing concepts to one’s organization)· Analyze legal issues impacting medical education and unit operations· Use technologies that support management functions· Align the vision and goals of the program with the financial, human, and material resources · Apply budgeting protocols for the fiscal operations at the program/unit/institution levels· Monitor and modify organizational systems toward quality improvement

MEL 620 Research and Evaluation in Medical Education (3 cr)

Instructors: Jeff Beaudry PhD &  Lynne Miller PhD, and Rorie Lee, PhD/MPH

Learners will be able t Understand the politics and ethics of educational research· Critically appraise articles from medial education literature · Plan a study design appropriate to critical medical education research questions· Compare quantitative and qualitative methodologies· Plan survey research and questionnaire design· Plan the evaluation of course, program, and institution

MEL 651-652 Applied Project in Curriculum/Leadership (6 cr)

Instructors: India Broyles, EdD,  Rorie Lee, PhD, MPH,  & Bob Bing-You, MD MSEd, MBA

Each student will be expected to consult with the course advisor and to identify an educational issue of professional importance in his or her unit or institution with focus on either curriculum or leadership.  The applied project provides an opportunity to show the integration of knowledge and skills from several of the core courses and synthesize the formal knowledge into field-based applications. Within the applied project, the learner continues to observe the nature, scope, and function of medical education leadership in the natural setting.  Learners should be able ta. Use analytical skills in the identification of a project, the gathering of information sources, collecting appropriate data and conducting data analysis strategiesb. Identify and obtain resources to support the project c. Solicit input from individuals and organizations.d. Use appropriate communication skills (verbal and written) when interacting with the internal and external environmentse. Present demographic, statistical, programmatic, and scientific information accurately and effectivelyf. Lead and participate in groups to address specific issuesg. Identify the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in planning for learning and for management strategiesh. Demonstrate reflective practice tools, strategies, and habits of mind

Electives: Approved by India Broyles, EdD, MMEL Director

The program also allows for two electives (six credits) that may be self-designed as Independent Study, peer-designed by the cohort, or selected from the Master’s in Public Health Curriculum,  or transferred from external fellowship programs.

 

Electronic Professional Portfolio
During the two-year program, students will fill an electronic portfolio with evidence of growing competency as a medical education leader.  Upon graduation, the student will have a robust electronic document that will focus on medical education leadership, but also be part of a professional record for current and future professional positions. A portfolio is a record of growth, achievement, and professional attributes.  It illustrates progression to competence over time.  The portfolio itself is the product of, and cannot be separated from, the reflection and assessment processes required to produce it.  Students will work with course faculty and MMEL Director to build and refine the portfolio. The Exhibits will demonstrate evidence of competence for each of the eight MMEL/ELCC outcomes: educational vision, program development/staff development, organizational management, collaboration skills, ethics, educational context, and research capacity.  Some of the exhibits will come from course projects; others will come from local professional tasks.  The portfolio will be presented at the end of the program for review. The Portfolio serves several purposes: a record and display of professional goals, growth, and achievement; a collection of materials that demonstrate competency; an exhibit of work that supports self-marketing upon graduation; a foundation for career-long self-directed professional growth.

 

Program Standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation in the Medical Education Leadership Program. A student receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) has the option to re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- (80 pts) or better. Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program.

Program Completion Timeline
Students must complete the Master’s in Medical Education within five years of admission to the program, unless a specified leave of absence has been granted by the faculty. 

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the MMEL program.

Probation/Dismissal
Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation in the Medical Education Program. A student receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) has the option to re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- (80 pts) or better. Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program.  The Program Director may make modifications to the process described above because of extenuating circumstances.  

Course withdrawal
Students may withdrawal from a course prior to the course start date by notifying the program office in writing. As all courses officially begin on a Saturday, students must notify the program office  during business hours no later than the Friday prior to the start date. A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. Course withdrawals will result in tuition refunds based on the short-term courses refund schedule noted in the Financial Information for Graduate Programs.  Non-matriculated students will forfeit their registration fee. Not logging into a course does not constitute a withdrawal.

Audit Policy
A student may, with prior consent of the instructor and the Medical Education Leadership director or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and program director or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in the course and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e., part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.  It should be noted that auditing the course bears the same financial cost as taking the course for credit.

University/ Program Withdrawal
All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from respective program/school director, COM Student Affairs, or Registration Services. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities. Student responsibilities include: (a) knowledge of the University's policies regarding refund of tuition and/or fees as stated in respective catalog; (b) return of University identification (ID) card to the Office of Student Affairs; (c) return of any University keys (or other belongings, e.g. library materials) in your possession to the appropriate departments. The University reserves the right to withhold the issuance of refunds and transcripts until the process has been completed. Following withdrawal, any student wishing to re-enroll at the University of New England must apply through the Office of Admissions.

Academic Dishonesty
The University of New England regards academic integrity as an essential component to the educational process. Charges of academic dishonesty will be handled through the dean of the appropriate College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited t

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require accommodations or modifications should communicate their needs to the Director, Office of Students With Disabilities, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005. (207) 602-2815. Please allow time for course modifications to occur. Ideally, students should contact the Office on the same date that they register for a course.  Timely accommodations are dependent on early registration with Disability Services.

Grading
Faculty establish their individual grading criteria and grading scale in courses which they teach. Traditionally, UNE’s Quality Points/Scale assigned to grades are as follows:
A       94-100 points    Outstanding
A-      90-93 points      Excellent
B+     87-89 points      Competency achieved to high standard
B       84-86 points      Competency achieved
B-      80-83 points      Satisfactory competency
F       Below 80            Failing
Note:  Grades below 80 points are considered marginal and a failing grade.

Incomplete Grades
An incomplete 'I’ grade may be given by the faculty to a student who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The student must request an incomplete from the faculty (by letter or via e-mail) at least one week prior to the end of the term in which the student has registered for the course. The 'I' grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the faculty and may not extend beyond one term following the end of the semester. Until changed, the ‘I’ grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the faculty, results in the assignment of an administrative *F grade for the course. Once an 'I' grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to good standing or probationary standards. The student will be required to retake and repay for the course in order to receive credit when an administrative *F has been given.

Repeated Courses and Grades

Most courses in the Medical Education Leadership Program are offered at least once per year. If a student fails to meet the minimum required grade (B-), s/he is allowed to repeat the course: however, s/he must wait until the next time that course is offered in the schedule. Students repeating the course, must complete the registration form for the repeated term and must pay full tuition and fees.

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript. All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester and academic period in which they are enrolled. However, only the second or last course taken will receive credit on the student's transcript, and only the second or last grade received will calculate into the cumulative GPA.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary as well as other expenses, including books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

To complete the program and receive a Master’s in Medical Education Leadership, students must:

• Complete 33 credits that are composed of seven 3-credit on-line courses, two electives, a 6-credit applied project and a professional portfolio.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have been recommended by the MMEL faculty for graduation
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.

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Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2009-2010 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2009.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.