For the first time in a single core textbook, the Association for the Study of Medical Education presents a complete and authoritative guide to medical education. Written by leading experts in the field, Understanding Medical Education provides a comprehensive resource of the theoretical and academic bases to modern medical education practice. This accessible and timely reference is designed to meet the needs of all those working in medical education from undergraduate education through postgraduate training to continuing professional development. As well as providing practical guidance for clinicians, teachers and researchers, Understanding Medical Education will prove an invaluable resource to those studying at certificate, diploma or masters level and a first 'port-of-call' for anyone engaged in medical education as an academic discipline. Exploring medical education in all its diversity and containing all you need in one place, Understanding Medical Education is the ideal reference not only for medical educators, but for anyone involved in the development of healthcare professionals, in whatever discipline wherever they are in the world. An on-line edition of the complete book, together with individual chapter downloads, are available at www.wileymedicaleducation.com Understanding Medical Education has been brought together and edited by Professor Tim Swanwick, Director of Professional Development in the London Deanery, Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Education and Visiting Professor of Medical Education at the University of Bedfordshire.