‘Transformative assessment, making the strategic use of assessment meaningful for learning.’

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On October 14th and 15th  2016 the first EBMA Conference was taking place:

‘Crossing boundaries: assessment in medical education’

The conference in Exeter, UK, hosted by the University of Exeter Medical School and Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PUPSMD), is the first time EBMA has opened its annual event beyond its own membership, to create a forum for discussing latest research and global best practice and exchanging ideas. The event was supported by the Academy of Medical Educators and the Association for the Study of Medical education, and was themed around crossing boundaries – between nations, cultures, universities and between undergraduate and postgraduate study.

About 250 representatives from 19 countries discussed how to ensure assessments in training produce safe, responsible doctors.

Adrian Freeman, Professor of Medical Education at the University of Exeter Medical School, and Chair and co-organiser of the conference, said: “Assessment is a really hot topic in medical education, and it’s about much more than just the grades themselves. It’s about ensuring that doctors and specialists are safe to practice, and are committed to patient care. This was an excellent opportunity to bring together experts in this field at a meeting in Europe.”

The conference featured a number of key note speakers from Europe and the USA, and included workshops and a research poster showcase.  On Friday Professor Chris McManus offered the first keynote on the issue of under-attainment and remediation, following by a keynote from Professor Val Wass about the route to crossing boundaries in assessment. The keynote on Saturday was presented by Professor Eric Holmboe, which was titled ‘Realizing the Promise of Outcomes-based Medical Education through More Effective Assessment’. During both days a range of workshops and thematic presentations were given. Each day closed with a symposia and debate around competency based education and assessment and national Licensing Exams.

Dr. Tom Gale, co-organiser and Director of Assessment at PUPSMD was particularly excited about the range of expert sessions on offer: “The EBMA is focused primarily on raising standards of newly qualified doctors across Europe using innovative educational methods. This conference showcased pioneering practice, locally, across Europe and beyond, through evidence based research across many healthcare professions.”

For recorded keynotes and for pictures of the Conference: http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/assessmentmeded/resources/

On the Conference website, the full and detailed program: medicine.exeter.ac.uk/assessmentmeded