MedEd on the Edge 2025

Productive struggle: Exploring the role of discomfort in learning, teaching and assessment

In today's education for health professions, there is an increased focus on enhancing the learner's experience. This involves creating a learning environment where everyone can flourish, free from intimidation and ensuring psychological safety. The idea is that psychological safety is essential for learning. However, is there a risk that in our efforts to make students feel secure, we overlook the turbulence, intellectual discomfort, and challenges that can foster effective learning?

The 2025 MedEd on the Edge conference centers on the concept of productive struggle, examining the dynamic, and sometimes perhaps dialectical relationship between psychological safety and intellectual discomfort (or cognitive disequilibrium). Through five thematic tracks, we delve into the role of discomfort in learning, teaching, and assessment within the realm of health professions education.

By attending this conference, we promise an experience of 'optimal discomfort'. Researchers and practitioners will encourage us to reflect on the productive levels of extension, vulnerability, and risk-taking from the viewpoints of learners, educators, regulators, and the community. Together, we will investigate the connection between discomfort and learning, and how we can effectively challenge learners to become part of a health workforce prepared for an ever-evolving world.

Who should attend?

Leaders who want to advance health professions education from all over the world, from any health profession, and at any stage of career, across the continuum. No formal leadership position is needed. If you want to influence HPE, you are welcome!