Author Archives: stfmguestblogger

STFM Examines Its Governance Structure

Victoria Gorski, MDMontefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Victoria Gorski, MD
Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine

STFM has begun a careful study of its governance structure. The goal is to ensure that we are making the most effective decisions in the most efficient way possible and that the decisions are in the best interests of the organization and its members. Governance refers to the way in which decisions are made within STFM and involves actions of the Board and committees, especially as they involve allocation of STFM’s resources. A governance task force has been charged with the responsibility for making recommendations to the STFM Board.  The members of the task force offer a balance among past and current leaders, as well as members of the current Board and committees.

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Experiencing Primary Care From Opposite Sides of the Spectrum: Clerkships Can Influence the Career Path of Medical Students

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Danial Jilani, MPH

The uncertainty surrounding primary care is arguably the highest it has ever been. Many medical students entering their third-year clerkships have preformed conclusions about primary care. At the face of a federal health care overhaul, declining reimbursements, and a workforce shortage estimated to reach 21,000 by 2015, for some medical students the future of primary care seems unpredictable. A third-year experience in family medicine and ambulatory medicine can be an imperative influence in the career path of a medical student.

Third-year students at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (WSU-BSOM) complete a 6-week family medicine rotation where they spend time with preceptors in a variety of settings, including private offices, indigent clinics, academic settings, and more. During my clerkship, I had the honor of working with Dr Joseph Allen, a recipient of the AAFP Foundation’s 2012 Pfizer Teacher Development award.

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Faculty Development Adds Value to Community Partners

Jeff Morzinski, PhD, MSW

Jeff Morzinski, PhD, MSW

As an experienced faculty developer, you’ve organized programs and taught research and teaching skills to new family medicine faculty for years. But have you stayed responsive and flexible—do you continue to show value in your department, institution, or community? This is a crucial time for faculty development to regain its momentum as a driving force for the value of family medicine.

For our faculty development staff, one way to show value has been to work in partnership with the community. Here are a few of the ways we’re adding value to community partnerships. The good news is that we’re using skill sets we already have.

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