Acknowledgments This article was developed with input and contributions from: • Lynsey Drew, DO, MBA, FAAFP, Dean, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine • Erik Gulbrandsen, DO, Family Physician and Clinical Preceptor, Provo, Utah • Michelle Hofmann, MD, MPH, MHCDS, Senior Associate Dean (Interim), Southern Utah Regional Medical Campus, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah Special thanks to Veritas Health Solutions for its “Bridging the Gap” and “Development Process and Supporting Research” reports, which informed much of the policy context for this article. Why I Precept: Perspectives from Preceptors in Utah “It’s an honor to care for the men and women who have given so much in service to our country. As a reservist, I feel responsible to help create the next generation of physicians who are called to serve. I especially value working with students who are military-bound or on VA scholarships, as they share a commitment to caring for my brothers and sisters in arms. Precepting is one way I can give back and ensure our veterans continue to receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.” Zachary Farnworth, DO Family Practice Physician, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “I have been precepting now for the past two years, and the experiences with students have made my job more enjoyable and fulfilling. I love being able to show students the depth and breadth of family medicine and all that we are trained to do. Many students come in with the misconception that we only treat blood pressure and diabetes, so it is always fun to hear, ‘I didn’t know that family docs did that too!’ Precepting is not only needed for students to learn directly from practicing physicians, but it is also needed to advance the profession. I believe and have seen that a well-rounded experience during the family medicine rotation is a crucial driver in students choosing to match to our specialty. Several students of mine have commented at the end of the rotation that they are now seriously considering a career in family medicine. I have benefited from excellent preceptors during my training and am happy to pay it forward.” Cameron Smith, DO Mountainlands Community Health Center “Many of us in family medicine feel overwhelmed every day, and it is hard to imagine taking on one more thing. Teaching medical students is something that I never hesitate to do, even with all the other stressors around me. I know that the future of our profession is fragile right now, and it is more important than ever to help train and mentor future family physicians. Teaching medical students in my clinic is one thing that actually fills my cup instead of emptying it. I love the energy and enthusiasm the students have for learning. Asking them to call a patient or a pharmacy to check on something or present to me about a topic the next day we are together really keeps me stimulated and takes the burden off me or my staff in the office. I will always make time for teaching as it was good teaching that got me to where I am today, and I want the future family physicians to be just as strong, compassionate and knowledgeable as we are!” Shannon Baker, MD Intermountain West Jordan Clinic “The road to becoming a physician is a long one, and along the way, students learn from a wide variety of physician-mentors. I recently completed my training at McKay-Dee Family Medicine Residency, and I’m deeply grateful to the many physicians who took the time to teach and guide me. Teaching learners often requires extra time, energy and patience, which is something I didn’t fully appreciate until I entered practice myself. But now, working with students has given me a renewed appreciation for those who helped me along my own path. I love witnessing their ‘aha’ moments and seeing their growth firsthand. They also help keep me sharp by bringing fresh perspectives, current research and questions that challenge me to reflect on my own practice and stay current with the latest evidence. I plan to continue working with students throughout my career. It’s one of the most meaningful ways I can give back to the profession and help shape the future of medicine.” Andrew Steinicke, MD Syracuse Tanner Clinic 19
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==