Transforming Healthcare Education: Our Research Impact
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At the University of Illinois Chicago, the Department of Medical Education (DME) is nationally recognized as a leader in advancing the science of health professions education. Our research drives innovation, informs policy, and improves how future clinicians, educators, and leaders are trained across the globe.
Our research community includes a diverse team of educators, social scientists, clinicians, and scholars, all working together to advance education in medicine and the health sciences. Collaborative by nature, we partner with institutions across the U.S. and globally to conduct impactful, interdisciplinary research. DME faculty are internationally respected for their scholarship, and our graduate students—from the MHPE, PhD, and fellowship programs—contribute meaningfully to the field through original research.
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Research at DME is more than academic—it’s a catalyst for real-world change. Our research explores the critical questions shaping medical education today. We investigate how learners grow, how educators teach effectively, and how systems can better support both. We invite current and prospective students, collaborators, and education leaders to engage with us, explore new ideas, and be part of the future of medical education.
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Graduate Programs
DME offers a Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) and a PhD in Health Professions Education. These programs provide rigorous research training and are tailored for individuals aiming to become scholars and leaders in medical education.
Health Humanities & Ethics
Faculty in this area engage in research that explores the experiences of health, illness, and disability within social and cultural contexts, contributing to a deeper understanding of patient care.
Simulation and Integrative Learning (SAIL)
SAIL facilitates research in technology-based and human-based simulation experiences, enhancing the training of healthcare professionals.
International Programs
As a World Health Organization Collaborating Center, DME participates in global health policy projects, offering research opportunities with international impact.
Patient Safety Leadership Programs
These programs focus on research aimed at designing, implementing, and leading patient safety initiatives, contributing to improved healthcare quality.
Faculty Development Programs
DME offers various programs aimed at enhancing the research skills of faculty members, fostering a culture of continuous scholarly activity.
Scholarly Activities Day
An annual event where students and faculty present their research findings, promoting a collaborative learning environment.
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Ilene B. Harris Legacy Research Fund
The Ilene B. Harris Legacy Research Fund, established through a $1 million gift from Professor Morton Harris, honors the legacy of Ilene B. Harris, PhD, former Head of the Department of Medical Education (DME) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). The fund aims to support innovative research in health professions education.
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DME Books for Purchase
Explore a selection of authoritative texts on health professions education authored by esteemed faculty of the Department of Medical Education at UIC.
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Research at DME Shapes:
- Educational best practices in classrooms, clinics, and communities
- Institutional and national policy on training and assessment
- Leadership development for medical educators worldwide
Our faculty and students regularly publish in top-tier journals, including Academic Medicine, Medical Education, and Teaching and Learning in Medicine.
Support DME Provides:
- Mentorship from experienced faculty
- Expertise in qualitative and quantitative methodologies
- Access to large educational datasets and digital platforms
- Regular seminars, writing groups, and journal clubs
- Internal research funding and grant-writing support
Whether you’re an emerging scholar or a seasoned educator, DME offers the tools and community to turn great ideas into impactful research.