FAIMER Institute
Global Professional Community Building
Building regional communities of practice of health professions educators is another major goal of the FAIMER Institute. Each Fellow is part of the Institute for a two-year period, and during this time, interacts closely with up to 48 other Fellows. Community building is also fostered by a period of overlap in the residential sessions for first- and second-year participants, providing opportunities for interaction between Fellows who are beginning their education innovation projects and those who have just completed their projects. A Collaborative Projects on-line discussion provides a forum for group work on research and projects among both Institute alumni and current Fellows.
The development of professional communities of practice is advanced by FAIMER's geographical foci, which accelerate the development of resources locally. The results are mentoring and collaborative relationships that contribute to regional and, ultimately, global communities of experts in health professions education.
Results of the Institute's formal evaluation plan of the program, confirm that Fellows experience an increase and change in their professional connections after their fellowship experience.
