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Postdoctoral Study

AOA : ERAS : NRMP : Internship Preparation Timeline : Training Programs : Mission & Objectives : Advantages : Trainee Policies : Consortium Goals : Governors & Accreditation

Advantages

Performance Excellence Evaluation Record (PEER)

The implementation of uniform evaluation tools and consistent language is the first step in the development of a standardized system for assessment and feedback. The PEER system utilizes three tools which each focus on a specific assessment goal:

  • Clinical Evaluation Forms provide a forum for attending evaluation of the trainee’s performance in the areas of medical, communication, and professional skills.
  • Site Evaluation Forms allow trainees to comment on the appropriateness of the learning environment and teaching styles.
  • The computerized Log Program assists the trainee and hospital in keeping clear records of procedures and patient diagnoses, using standardized language.

Aggregate data is collected using each of these tools and processed through the PEER database. Reports back to the OPTIK Education Committee help to quantify and qualify the depth and breadth of each hospital experience. Furthermore, our materials are designed to meet individual, AOA, and program needs while feeding into innumerable consortium-wide research opportunities.

OPTIK has made great strides in developing the PEER program to include time-saving data entry options and valuable feedback loops. We feel these components are essential for user satisfaction in the evolving educational environment.

Faculty Development Program

Faculty development is undoubtedly critical to the success of postgraduate training programs. Just as we expect our trainees to continually expand their fund of knowledge, we, too, must expect our faculty to sharpen their knowledge base and teaching skills. Continuing medical education addresses one set of these needs, however only true faculty development enhances the ability to effectively teach.

Through faculty surveys, OPTIK has determined that a variety of options are required to successfully serve the range of needs. The educator’s ever-increasing load of commitments demands that our faculty have the option to select from a menu of experiences that target specific areas for development. Three types of programs are utilized to service these needs: 1) group workshops, 2) office-based trainings, and 3) independent study. Presentation topics include, but are not limited to, characteristics of effective teachers, the educational planning process, and evaluating trainee competencies in clinical settings.

OMM/OPP Integration

An important objective for OPTIK is the integration of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine/Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OMM/OPP) into the postgraduate curriculum. Although some member programs have very strong teachers and a good mix of bedside and didactic OMM instruction, other programs openly recognize the lack thereof. OPTIK aims to 1) conduct quarterly OMM workshops at each program and 2) identify and prepare local table trainers to assist each program on a routine basis. The infusion of didactics and bedside teaching from neuromusculoskeletal specialists, means that osteopathic principals and practice are accurately and reasonably applied to both hospitalized and ambulatory patients.

A. T. Still Memorial Library

The A. T. Still Memorial Library, located on the KCOM campus, is fully accessible to all OPTIK faculty and trainees, via the web. Library resources include over 80,000 volumes and a host of media holdings housed in 10,000-sq. feet of floor space. The Reference Department is available to assist in information retrieval or to coach users with online databases. The library is staffed seven days a week.

For library and on-line resource assistance, please contact Doug Blansit, Director, A.T. Still Memorial Library at bblansit@atsu.edu or 660.626.2340.

Research Opportunities

In cooperation with KCOM, postgraduate trainees can co-investigate a number of clinical research topics during their postgraduate training program. Often, trainees find the faculty, resources, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) at KCOM to be beneficial for the conduct and presentation of research. Additional workshops, fellowships, and other formal research training programs are open to OPTIK trainees and faculty.

For research related assistance, please contact Jane Johnson, Director Research Support at jjohnson@atsu.edu or 660.626.2397.

To communicate with the OPTIK Resident Research Committee Representative, please contact Brett DeGooyer, D.O. at bdegooyer@atsu.edu or 660.785.1400.