DocTalks: Education Research in Medicine with Dr. Jonathan Sherbino

DocTalks: Education Research in Medicine with Dr. Jonathan Sherbino

From Podagogies: A Learning and Teaching Podcast by Podagogies: A Learning and Teaching Podcast

January 22, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

Dr. Jonathan Sherbino discusses the importance of education research in medicine and its impact on teaching practices and patient care.

Have you been listening to DocTalks, the branch of Podagogies dedicated to exploring the world of medical education? We're cross-posting DocTalks Episode 9 here on Podagogies to share what we can learn from medical educators about how to improve our teaching practice. Emergency physician and award-winning educator Dr. Jonathan Sherbino joins DocTalks to unpack why education research matters, and how it improves patient care. Drawing on his work leading MERIT at McMaster University, Sherbino challenges assumptions about innovation, rigour, and legitimacy in medical education. The conversation explores competency-based education, diagnostic error, and why experience, not “thinking harder” or bias checklists, drives clinical expertise. A thoughtful, evidence-informed discussion on building safer systems, better training, and scholarship that truly translates to practice. Dr. Sherbino is a Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean, Health Professions Education Research, McMaster University. He holds the William J. Walsh Chair in Medical Education. Dr. Sherbino is the past chair of the National Specialty Committee for Emergency Medicine, Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Jonathan Sherbino

Topics covered

  • medical education
  • education research
  • competency-based education
  • clinical expertise
  • patient care

Keywords

  • DocTalks
  • MERIT
  • McMaster University
  • diagnostic error
  • innovation

Mentioned in this episode

Products: MERIT Centre

Books & works: DocTalks, the William J. Walsh Chair in Medical Education

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