faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in the doing preceptorship, what are the next steps?

  • Complete the student application specifying the dates and location for placement.
  • Mail, fax or email a copy of your photo ID.
  • To request a specific preceptor, refer to the preceptor list. The program coordinator at each school also has a list of current preceptors.
  • First-year students may apply for the program, beginning December 1, 2011. Deadline for applications for the summer 2012 program is March 3, 2012.
  • Applications and requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and availability of slots.
  • 3rd--4th year students can apply anytime during the year, at least one month prior to requested dates of preceptorship.
  • If you have any questions, please contact Amy White, Director of TPS Foundation and the General Pediatric Preceptorship Program or call (512) 370-1519

What is the general pediatric preceptorship program? Why should students participate?

  • Students are matched to a general pediatrician in private practice to experience pediatric practice first-hand.
  • Learn about general pediatric practice including common pediatric medical and developmental conditions, office management, hospital practice, and community services for children.

What are goals and objectives of the program?

  • To consider pediatrics as a career.

Who can participate?

  • Any medical student enrolled in a Texas medical school who has completed their first year.

How long is the preceptorship?

  • The preceptorship program is two to four consecutive weeks.  Rotations vary based on student schedule, school requirements for credit and preceptor schedules.   

Will I be paid a stipend?

  • Unfortunately, due to the loss of our state grant funding, we are no longer able to offer stipends for preclinical rotations.  Both preclinical and clinical rotations are unpaid.

When should I apply?

  • First-year students may apply for the program, beginning December 1, 2011. Deadline for applications for the summer 2012 program is March 3, 2012. Applications and requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and availability of slots.
  • 3rd--4th year students can apply anytime during the year, at least one month prior to requested dates of preceptorship.

How do I request a preceptor who is not on the preceptor list?

  • If you know of a pediatrician who is not on this list with whom you would like to work, the Austin office will arrange the preceptorship for you. The Austin office will check the qualifications of the prospective preceptor. Students should not contact the preceptor directly.

Can I do my preceptorship with a specialist?

No.  Preceptors must be general pediatricians practicing 50% or more general pediatrics and be office or clinic based.

 

Who are the contacts at my school?

Each medical school has a program coordinator to help you sign up for the program:

 

Baylor College of Medicine Mark A. Ward, M.D (832) 824-1176
 

markw@bcm.edu
Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station Mark S. Sicilio, MD
Asst: Amanda Schrader		 (979) 862-1194 amschrader@medicine.tamhsc.edu
Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple Amanda Schrader (979) 862-1194 amschrader@medicine.tamhsc.edu
Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock Nancy Valdez, MD (806) 743-2244 ext. 263 nancy.valdez@ttuhsc.edu
University of N. Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth W. Paul Bowman, MD Asst: Linda Rider (817) 735-2426

wbowman@hsc.unt.edu

lrider@hsc.unt.edu
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Mark Hormann, MD
Asst: Debbie Hernandez		 (713) 500-5813

Mark.D.Hormann@uth.tmc.edu

deborah.hernandez@uth.tmc.edu
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Robert J. Nolan, MD
Asst: Jo Ann Lieberman		 (210) 567-5190

nolanr@uthscsa.edu

lieberman@uthscsa.edu
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Gayani Silva, MD
Asst: Tiffany Swain		 (409) 772-5286 trswain@utmb.edu
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas Vanthaya N. Gan, MD (214) 456-2851 vanthaya.gan@utsouthwestern.edu

How do I report absences during preceptorship?

  • Participating in the preceptorship program should be treated like having a professional job. All absences must be reported to your preceptor and school immediately.

How do I cancel my preceptorship?

Since there are limited slots we strongly discourage students from canceling their preceptorship. However, if the circumstances make it absolutely necessary to cancel:

  • Contact the Austin office immediately.
  • Inform your preceptor and the school about your cancellation.

Interested students and physicians should contact:
Amy White, Director of TPS Foundation and the General Pediatric Preceptorship Program
401 W. 15th St., Suite 682
Austin, 78701-1665
(512) 370-1519
fax (512) 473-8659