Points or Passion? How to Get the Most Out of Your Teaching Course

Introduction

For many junior doctors, taking a teaching course is seen as a way to gain points for specialty training applications.

And that’s true — it can strengthen your portfolio.

But if you approach it purely as a “tick-box exercise”, you’re missing the bigger opportunity.

This post is about how to get the most out of your teaching course — not just for IMT or specialty applications, but for your career all the way through to consultant level.

Points vs Passion — What’s Your Goal?

Let’s be honest: Most people take a teaching course to gain portfolio points

But the doctors who benefit most are those who also ask: “How can I actually become a better clinician who teaches?”

Why Teaching Matters Beyond Applications

Teaching is not just for interviews. As a doctor, you will:

• teach medical students
• support junior colleagues
• contribute to training programmes
• take on leadership and educational roles

At consultant level, teaching is expected — not optional.

What You Should Gain From a Good Course

A high-quality teaching course should give you more than a certificate.

It should help you:

• Structure teaching sessions effectively
• Understand how doctors and students learn
• Deliver teaching with confidence
• Give meaningful feedback
• Reflect and improve

These are long-term skills, not just short-term gains.

The Common Mistake

Many doctors:

• attend the course
• get the certificate
• move on

Without applying what you’ve learned, the value is lost.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Course

1. Treat it as a skill, not a requirement

Focus on developing your teaching ability.

2. Apply it immediately

Start teaching:

• juniors
• students
• colleagues

3. Collect and use feedback

This strengthens both your teaching and your portfolio.

4. Think long-term

Teaching is a skill you will carry into:

• registrar level
• consultant roles
• leadership positions

Why Course Design Matters

The structure of a course makes a big difference.

At The Clinician’s Campus, our Clinicians Who Teach course combines:

• 7 hours of structured e-learning
• 7 hours of live (synchronous) teaching

This allows you to:

• learn theory at your own pace
• apply it in a practical, interactive setting

The Bigger Picture

Yes — a teaching course can help you:

• gain portfolio points
• strengthen your application

But more importantly:

It helps you become a doctor who can:

• teach effectively
• lead education
• support others

❓ FAQ’s

Is a teaching course just for IMT points?

No — it builds long-term teaching skills used throughout your career.

Do consultants need teaching skills?

Yes — teaching is a core part of senior medical roles.

What makes a good teaching course?

One that combines structured learning with practical, real-world application.

Final Thoughts

You can treat a teaching course as: a way to gain points OR a way to develop a skill that will stay with you throughout your career. The most successful doctors do both.

If you’re looking for a teaching course designed by practising clinicians, Clinicians Who Teach by The Clinician’s Campus combines:

• 7 hours of e-learning
• 7 hours of live teaching

focused not just on helping you score points — but on developing teaching skills you’ll carry forward throughout your medical career.