A residency education is not just about clinic skills
Our residency curriculum provides learners with clear objectives each month following NCOPE standards. In addition to the requisite clinical skills, these objectives include learning opportunities related to professional topics such as developing effective communication with patients and other healthcare professionals, how to build and keep a book of business, understanding the financial aspects of O&P, resolving ethical dilemmas, and how to forge positive working relationships with physical and occupational therapists who also treat your patients. Residents practice accuracy in self-assessment through structured monthly meetings with Mentors.
Learning opportunities are also present outside the walls of the assigned clinical site. Our Residents gather virtually on a bi-weekly basis for short clinical or journal club-type presentations and discussions, facilitated by clinical leaders from across the country. These same leaders are available for consultation on challenging cases, with the potential for visits to their home clinics for focused learning in areas of clinical interest or to fill gaps in learning. Residents are also encouraged to shadow other clinicians in their home network to broaden exposure to a variety of patient presentations.
Support is a hallmark of our residency program. A national Residency Director with extensive clinical teaching experience is available to guide learners through the curriculum as needed. Residency Directors and Mentors also receive support for their ongoing development of teaching skills. Most important of all, our parent organization fully supports the residency program on the national and local level, encouraging all staff to be involved in development of the next generation of O&P professionals.
