CERA: Advancing Family Medicine Education Research

Caroline Tanner

doi:10.1370/afm.3113

The CAFM Educational Research Alliance (CERA) stands as a cornerstone framework dedicated to advancing medical education research within the realm of family medicine. Rooted in a commitment to excellence and collaboration, CERA serves as a centralized infrastructure aimed at producing rigorous and generalizable research, fostering collaboration among medical education researchers, providing essential training and mentorship, and ensuring alignment with efforts to promote equity, diversity, and antiracism within the field.

CERA Surveys: A Window Into Family Medicine Education

CERA conducts approximately 5 surveys annually (Table 1), encompassing a diverse array of stakeholders within family medicine education. These surveys target key individuals and groups, including family medicine residency directors (surveyed biannually), clerkship directors, department chairs, general membership, family medicine residents, and medical students. By engaging with a broad spectrum of participants, CERA ensures comprehensive insights into the landscape of family medicine education.

Vision and Mission: Driving Excellence in Educational Research

The vision of CERA revolves around fostering excellent family medicine educational research. This vision is realized through a steadfast commitment to its mission, which is multifaceted and includes:

Providing a centralized infrastructure to produce rigorous and generalizable medical education research
Facilitating collaboration among medical education researchers to foster innovation and knowledge sharing
Offering training and mentorship in educational research methods to nurture the next generation of scholars
Ensuring that the work of CERA reflects and supports ongoing efforts to address equity, diversity, and antiracism within the field of family medicine education

View this table:

CAFM Educational Research Alliance (CERA) Survey Schedule

Operational Mechanisms: How CERA Works

At the heart of CERA’s operations lies a dynamic and collaborative process that enables the execution of its mission and vision. Here’s how CERA functions:

Calls for Proposals

Investigators are invited to respond to calls for proposals, submitting questions for inclusion in CERA surveys.

Survey Structure

Each CERA survey comprises questions submitted by investigators, alongside a set of recurring demographic and organizational inquiries. These recurring questions provide valuable data for historical comparisons and trend analysis.

Project Development

Once proposals are approved, experienced researchers and mentors join project teams to refine survey questions, facilitate data analysis, and prepare manuscripts for publication.

Data Analysis and Publication

Researchers receive survey results, including responses to recurring questions, and are given a 3-month period to analyze the data before its release to the general membership. The expectation is that investigators will write and submit papers within this timeframe.

Secondary Analysis

Members of esteemed organizations such as STFM, NAPCRG, AFMRD, and ADFM utilize CERA data for secondary analysis, fostering further exploration and understanding within the field.

Joining Forces for Progress

CERA’s impact extends beyond its immediate participants, serving as a catalyst for advancement within family medicine education. By fostering collaboration, providing resources, and promoting research excellence, CERA empowers stakeholders to drive positive change and innovation in medical education.

In conclusion, CERA stands as a beacon of excellence and collaboration in the realm of family medicine education research. Through its comprehensive surveys, unwavering commitment to excellence, and dedication to fostering collaboration and inclusivity, CERA continues to shape the future of family medicine education, driving progress and innovation in the field.

For more information about CERA and its initiatives, visit the official website or reach out to program coordinators. Join us in advancing family medicine education research through the power of collaboration and excellence.