Data champions in medical education research

Studies that link administrative medical education data across the institutions and continuum of training and practice are not currently the norm. However, connecting these data holds great promise for research that advances models of education, health human resource planning, and health services delivery. Accordingly, the capacity for sensitive research data management (RDM) is needed in medical education. In January 2022, after extensive consultation, we published “Data-Sharing in Canadian Medical Education Research: Consensus Recommendations and Principles for Governance,” a national set of consensus recommendations for data-sharing in medical education research. The Data Champions project facilitates uptake of these recommendations; fosters RDM awareness; educates trainees, newly engaged, and senior scholars on RDM approaches; and serves as a resource for planning of projects. This work involves a Canadian and international workshop series, an ongoing consultation service, the maintenance of an online repository of relevant resources, and the development of an international community of practice.