The Division of Studies in Medical Education (DSME) was founded in 1987 by the Dean, Dr. Douglas Wilson. There were two principal reasons for the establishment of DSME; first there was the recognition that many schools of medicine had an office that was connected with research and service in medical education that was distinct from the other educational offices of the Faculty. Second, the McLaughlin Examination and Research Institute had moved. This Institute had the responsibility of providing advice and research findings to the Medical Council of Canada and the Royal College and was also used as a resource by the University Faculty of Medicine.

Administration: Members of the Division play an important role in the educational mission of the Faculty. DSME is represented on nearly every educational committee in the Faculty, we run the medical student focus groups, the One45 system for evaluation of teaching and are heavily involved in the examination process.  We assist with the development of nomination documents for educational awards, represent the Faculty on the University Learning Environment Committee, participate in the area of Arts and Health Care and in Interprofessional Education, assist with organization of the "Hear's to your Health" Concert series and through our Associate Director, play a role in clinical skills instruction.

Education: The Division offers reading courses and electives for Residents, instruction for undergraduate students in teaching and learning and has helped in the education of Masters students in Surgical Education and a PhD student in Medical Education via the Department of Medicine.

Conferences: DSME is the organizing body for the Alberta International Conferences on Medical Education, which have been held every two years since the mid-1990s.  These conferences have included some of the major figures in medical educaiton in North America.  Drs. Karen Mann, Kelly Skeff, Geoff Norman, LuAnn Wilkerson, Georges Bordage, Gordon Page, Richard Tiberius, Harry Murray, Sharon Krackov and John Shatzer have been featured speakers.  The next meeting will be devoted to clinical education and will be held May 10-13, 2007.