Resident Evaluation
Training an Osteopathic Family Physician involves a great deal of interaction between the resident and the various teaching attendings. Resident evaluations are an important point of interaction where constructive, formative engagement should take place.
The goals of the evaluation process are:
1. Acknowledge resident strengths to continue to build on and expand
2. Create an environment for the resident to express their observations and concerns
3. Identify resident areas that need special attention
4. Develop Action Plans to strengthen resident weaknesses
5. Meet accreditation requirements
This interactive process has several elements that are on-going.
1. Monthly Rotation Reviews. Each resident must fill out a form evaluating the quality of the rotation and teaching on each rotation. Additionally, the attending physician must fill out an evaluation on the resident.
2. Quarterly Reviews. These face to face reviews involve three elements:
- Review of Rotation Evaluations. The resident and Program Director will go over the rotation reviews and discuss any concerns that are identified.
- Program Director Feedback. The Director will take the time to give specific complements and practice hints related to the Continuity Clinic experience, as well as answer questions.
- OMT Portfolio Review. Beginning the second year (OGME2), each resident will be required to provide 9 patient encounters (with identifying data removed) that demonstrate documented Osteopathic principles and practice. This may be an encounter with documented OMT, or it may be an encounter with Osteopathic structural exam elements with corresponding clinical thinking. This portfolio will be reviewed with the Program Director, and constructive evaluation of these encounters. This is one element to foster a Osteopathic culture in the program, but is also designed to assure competency in OMT and Osteopathic clinical thought.
3. Semi-Annual T.R.A.C.E. (Three-sixty Review And Clinical Evaluation). Twice a year, also beginning in the second (OGME2) year, the resident will have a three-sixty review that is a compilation that includes input from faculty, staff, fellow residents, and patients. Once again, the goal is to acknowledge strengths and identify areas in need of improvement. The TRACE also includes reviews of the continuity experiences (nursing home, inpatient care, etc). Finally, the TRACE includes direct observation by the Program Director of one pediatric encounter, one adult encounter, and one OMT encounter.
4. Inservice Exams. This annual exam, administered by the ACOFP, is required, and allows for assessment of clinical knowledge and test taking abilities.