Dr. Walter Tavares’ research examines ways of optimizing performance based assessments in work and simulation settings. His work aims to advance theory and practice where decisions regarding the ability to adaptively integrate multiple competencies in response to complex and context dependent clinical stimuli are desired. Some of his research has focused on the role and/or cognitive behaviours of the observer / rater in the assessment process. This theory-oriented work extends to assessment processes and strategies in general and how both work and simulation efforts may be optimized and/or integrated for formative, progress, programmatic and/or summative assessment efforts.

Dr. Tavares is also interested in shifting conceptions of assessment, critically examining shifts from a theoretical and applied perspective, language in assessment and the role of simulation as an assessment and learning strategy.

Dr. Tavares obtained his PhD at McMaster University in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics while completing a 5-year masters and PhD fellowship at the Wilson Centre.