Special programs

Education conferences

Every week, residents and faculty meet for one full afternoon to learn about pertinent topics in family medicine. In addition to medical topics, which run the gamut of family medicine, areas covered include behavioral science, medical ethics, complimentary/integrative medicine, practice management, and organized medicine. Presenters include full-time faculty, specialists practicing at Community hospitals, residents, and various speakers from the community. In addition, residents also attend medical grand rounds, critical care conferences, GI conferences and oncology conferences sponsored by Community hospitals.

Behavioral science

The behavioral science program attempts to help residents gain a better understanding of their patients and themselves–to improve both physician satisfaction and the quality of patient care. Conferences serve as the didactic forum, but the full-time availability of the behavioral scientist in the patient care area allows teaching in the context of patient contacts. The behavioral scientist is also available to the residents for individual assistance and stress management as needed.

Practice management

The practice management curriculum acquaints residents with the business knowledge needed to establish a financially viable medical practice. The curriculum is presented at the level of resident interest and need.

• First-year goals include informing residents of third-party payer functions, billing and collection techniques, procedural documentation and personal finances.
• In the second year, ;students learn about practice structures, business organization and taxation, and preliminary practice contract negotiations.
• Third-year goals include discussion of the practical aspects of beginning practice, application of clinical outcome data and clinical pathways, quality improvement techniques, managing personnel, insurance, accounting, etc.

Retreats

Each year both full- and half-day retreats are planned that encourage personal growth and organizational development. Residents, office staff, faculty, and families are invited to participate. The format is flexible, but past topics have included dealing with change, impaired family members, humor in the workplace and communication effectiveness.

Medical student teaching

Residents are invited to participate actively in teaching medical students from first- to fourth-year. This includes educational lectures, hands on demonstrations, and supervising students on clinical rotations.