An educational series: introduction

There is increasing interest in the way in which the medical profession is examining its role in educational matters at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and in continuing medical education. The emergency department provides unique opportunities for clinical learning and plays an influential role in the medical education of students and junior and senior doctors. The pivotal role of emergency medicine in the reforms of Modernising Medical Careers reflects recognition of this importance by the Department of Health. In this short, three issue, series we explore some topics of particular relevance to the specialty. The papers we present reflect interests in the community organised into three main strands:

• issues or potential arising from changes in provision determined by government thinking and policy making,

• the challenge of new technologies, whether e-learning or the use of …