Literature and medicine student selected components: what benefits are there for the tutors?

This paper reports on the experiences of tutors involved in teaching on an SSC in literature and medicine. Previous research has demonstrated benefits for students on such courses, but there has been no study of how the course affects tutors. This is the first paper to investigate tutors' experiences on such a course. Tutors from the 2004 course took part in two group interviews. The data obtained from the interviews were analysed thematically and discussed by the study team. New tutors from the subsequent year examined the data for participant validation, and added their own comments. The themes discovered were that the course provided: stimulation, educational benefits, opportunities for mentoring, ownership, a different part of the curriculum and practicalities. The course affords educational, personal and professional benefits for tutors, and continues to offer an original style of teaching. It 'stretches' tutors who have to think of how to help students learn in novel ways. This literature SSC helps teachers and doctors reflect on their personal and professional roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]