Introduction
RCEMLearning has grown significantly in recent years, and it is now embedded into the educational practice of the RCEM and wider EM community. RCEMLearning innovatively combines a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with Free Open Access Medical (FOAMed) resources, and it makes an invaluable contribution to how RCEM Fellows and Members prepare for exams, deliver teaching, refine critical appraisal skills, stay aligned with changes in evidence-based medicine, and maintain their ePortfolio and CPD activities.
As a result of RCEMLearning’s continued growth, the RCEM is looking to appoint a Digital Education Fellow (DEF) to support the platform’s pioneering work.
- Successful applicants will work within their hospitals but have protected time for RCEMLearning activities on an 80:20 split. The applicant must have confirmation from their Trust that 20% of their time can be dedicated to RCEMLearning/DEF projects.
- RCEM will provide funding for the successful applicant to undertake a postgraduate qualification (PgDIP, PgCERT etc.) up to a maximum of £4.000 per year. Successful candidates will be expected to devote a significant proportion of their course to a research-based or practical output (e.g. designing and implementing a flipped classroom model, a dissertation predicated on the site’s educational ethos etc.) based on RCEMLearning.
Role purpose
The fellows will support some or all of the following activities:
- Deliver new content across the site, or for specific sections (FOAMed, assessed Exams and CPD content etc.) to support the RCEM’s Educational Strategic Objectives
- Strategically manage and be directly involved in the editorial review of existing content
- Ensure RCEMLearning content represents the heterogenous educational and professional development requirements of the College’s diverse membership
- Help conceptualise and implement RCEMLearning’s pedagogies
- Sit on RCEM’s eLearning Committee
- Conduct research into digital learning’s impact on education within the specialty, and its efficacy for individual learners
- Help embed RCEMLearning into conventional teaching practices of departments
- Embed the new RCEM curriculum into the site’s educational and conceptual ethos
Structure
The DEF role will start in August 2025 and conclude in July 2026.
Sponsored DEF candidates will spend 80% of time working in the ED, with the remaining 20% representing protected time for RCEMLearning-related work. LTFT candidates are welcome to apply. The DEF will be a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with a review at 6 months.
Candidates must ensure they have full support from their Trust to undertake the Fellowship. We will need evidence confirming that 20% of your job plan will be dedicated to the RCEM Fellowship. Please note that the only funding provided by RCEM is a maximum of £4,000, which must be used towards a postgraduate qualification.
Much of the work will be conducted locally but candidates may be required to travel to RCEM offices, RCEM events and external meetings on occasion and with prior agreement. RCEMLearning will cover expenses where appropriate when attendance is required at external meetings and events (if not virtual). Successful applicants will work closely within RCEMLearning and RCEM governance structures to ensure objectives are fulfilled.
| Time | Step |
| December 2024 | Application window |
| January 2025 | Shortlisting |
| February 2025 | Interview of candidates |
| February 2025 | Successful candidate appointed |
| August 2025 – July 2026 | Candidate in post |
Application process
Applicants need to apply to RCEMLearning directly via email and must discuss the application with their Trust to ensure that they have permission and support to take on the role.
Applicants will need to submit a 500-word (maximum) letter/email of interest explaining their suitability and ideas for the role.
The following criteria needs to be fulfilled and evidenced in order for applicants to be shortlisted:
Person specification
The College requires applicants to adhere to the following criteria:
| Essential | Desirable |
| On the GMC register, with a licence to practise and no limitations on practise | |
| A member in good standing with the RCEM | |
| ST4 or equivalent | |
| Ability to demonstrate evidence of excellent educational activity | |
| Evidence of an educational portfolio commensurate with grade/role | Record of presenting at conferences, engagement with research activities, publication record (in traditional or digital environments) commensurate with grade/role |
| Demonstrable contribution to/interest in digital medical education via creation of own content, peer review activities, FOAMed production etc. | Post-graduate or equivalent qualification in medical or digital education |
Please contact the RCEMLearning Team on [email protected] with any questions about the role or recruitment process.
Applications should be emailed by 23rd December 2024.