Fifteen educational innovations in academic medicine are described in relation to 5 environmental trends. The first trend,
demands for increased clinical productivity, has diminished the learning environment, necessitating new organizational structures
to support teaching, such as academies of medical educators, mission-based management, and faculty development. The second
trend is multidisciplinary approaches to science and education. This is stimulating the growth of multidisciplinary curricular
design and oversight along with integrated curricular structures. Third, the science of learning advocates the use of case-based,
active learning methods; learning communities such as societies and colleges; and instructional technology. Fourth, shifting
views of health and disease are encouraging the addition of new content in the curriculum. In response, theme committees are
weaving content across the curriculum, new courses are being inserted into curricula, and community-based education is providing
learning experiences outside of academic medical centers. Fifth, calls for accountability are leading to new forms of performance
assessment using objective structured clinical exams, clinical examination exercises, simulators, and comprehensive assessment
programs. These innovations are transforming medical education.
Key words educational innovations - environmental trends