Charles W. Dohner, PhD: an evaluator and mentor in medical education

As one of the first generation medical education pioneers, Charles W. Dohner, PhD established the ninth office of medical education at the University of Washington (UW) where he served as chairman from 1967-1996. With a background in education and measurement, he focused his work on evaluation of educational programs and faculty development. The Department of Medical Education went through three distinct stages of development: pathfinding 1967-1972 focused on developing working relationships with the faculty and clarifying identity, integration into academic affairs 1972-1980, and direct leadership by department faculty 1980-1996. Dohner helped to create and evaluate the WAMI program, a regional medical education program for the states of Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. He served as a consultant to a specialty board, the founding president of the Society of Directors of Research in Medical Education, and a frequent consultant in international medical education. Dohner identified three important innovations in medical education: educators in academic medicine, simulations and performance assessment, and community-based medical education. Success factors for professional education include technical competence in education, interpersonal communication and collaboration skills, a plan for personal growth, and use of mentors. Future trends in medical education will involve information technology, professionalism, wellness and complementary medicine, and performance assessment. He has been a passionate spokesman for excellence in medical education and most noted for his roles as an evaluator, program developer, and mentor of academic leaders.