Jon Dowell

I have evolved from a primary care researcher with an interest in the application of qualitative research methods, into a medical educator with particular focus on selection for medical school and improving overseas elective programs. Along the way I led the provision of GP based teaching at the medical school for 6 years prior to becoming Dundee Medical School Head of UG Education in 2014.

More recently I have become involved in further developments in medical and other students selection, in particular the refinement and expanded use of the Multiple Mini Interview techniques, the application of aptitude tests and progressing 'widening access'. It has been my priviledge to lead the UKCAT Research Panel and intiate a wide range of novel multicentre studies. I am also Chair of the UK Medical Education Database Research Group, which seeks to expand on UKCAT progress in this area. I greatly look forward to helping create an open resource for researchers that enables studies from point of application right through to eventual career choices.

I also hope to play a significant role in challenging the exisiting nature of medical electives through developing and promoting a more responsible 'fair trade' approach. See http://www.responsibleelectives.org

Fundamentally I believe that a medical educator in the UK is a great privilege and that those running such courses have a responsibility to ensure society as well as the individual student benefit as much as possible from the investment.