PHYSICIAN
ASSISTANT
PROGRAM

CLINICAL YEAR
2005-2006

Role of the Preceptor

Your clinical preceptor is both a role model and a teacher. Obviously you will learn from your preceptor by asking questions and discussing patients. But you will also learn a great deal indirectly by observing your preceptor's practice style, interactions with patients and colleagues, and approach to problem solving.

In general, the preceptor will be supervising your clinical activities and monitoring the educational process. Specifically, the preceptor will assign patients, observe your clinical skills, review your chart entries, and serve as a resource for clinical questions and guidance.

The following guidelines will help to ensure a rewarding experience for both you and your preceptor:

1. On the first day of the rotation:

1. Ask to become oriented to the facility, the staff, policies, and procedures.
2. Be sure to find out specifically how your preceptor wants things done and what is expected of you.
3. Review the rotation objectives with your preceptor and together determine the scope of expected knowledge.

2. Whenever possible, your preceptor will arrange the day-to-day clinical experiences with the rotation objectives in mind. However, the objectives do not address all the possible learning experiences available; nor will you encounter all of the disease entities you are expected to know about. Be flexible and open-minded.
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3. Your preceptor should assign outside journal readings and topics to be presented based on the emphasis of the rotation and the patients you see. Be sure to complete these assignments within the given time. If the preceptor does not make assignments, ask for them. In addition, use the NCCPA examination content blueprint and the rotation syllabus and study guides as guides to your outside reading and study.
   
4. Take every advantage of lectures and seminars offered at your rotation site.
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5. From time to time ask your preceptor, “How am I doing?” and “How can I improve?” Your preceptor has already agreed to provide you with a formal written evaluation at the end of the rotation. However, we encourage informal discussion between you and your preceptor at any time during the rotation; these informal talks can be franker and more useful. We have provided a mid-rotation form to help you and your preceptor to set goals in areas in which you may need improvement. This form is to be faxed (540-224-4551) to us by the third Monday of your rotation.