Physicians

Physician Information

First time preceptors, please fill out the Physician Qualification Form. Returning preceptors, please complete the Preceptor Update Form.

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Watch our Preceptor Interest Video!

 Our Pediatric Preceptorship video highlights the wonderful experiences of just a few of our preceptors. Video topics include the future of pediatrics, the importance of the program, and an overview of what to expect during the preceptorship. 

What is the General Pediatric Preceptorship Program?
The General Pediatric Preceptorship Program is a program established by the Texas Legislature and administered by
the Texas Pediatric Society that matches medical students with general pediatricians. The four-week program
is offered to pre-clinical students in the summer between the first and second years of medical school, and as an elective
to clinical students in their fourth year of training. All Texas medical schools are cooperating in the program.

The goals of the program are two fold:
● To increase the number and proportion of physicians in pediatrics
● To expose students to quality pediatric training by incorporating continuity of care experiences and mentoring by general pediatricians


Why go to the office?
The practitioner’s “turf,” the office, is vitally important to primary-care education.
In their offices, pediatricians have a system that works for them, a population they know, and disorders that are, in
general, within their expertise. The pediatric preceptorship provides students direct experience in the daily activities
of pediatric practice.

What does the preceptor do?
As a preceptor, you'll make a much-needed contribution to the future of pediatrics and you'll have an opportunity to teach and learn without leaving your practice. Your practice is the student’s classroom. Everything you do is part of being a pediatrician. During the preceptorship, your student should be exposed to your busy schedule and to as many things you do as possible – both with patients and on their behalf – as a physician member of the community. During the four-week period, your student will be introduced to common pediatric problems, office management, hospital practice, the doctor-patient relationship and the role of, the pediatrician to other health care providers.

Remember, learning can go both ways and you may occasionally learn something new from the student or, perhaps, look at something old in a different way.

What are the benefits of being a preceptor?
● Make a difference, share your practice with someone who wants to learn. Being a preceptor can be an exciting new challenge. You have an opportunity to share the knowledge you learned the hard way.
● Promote something you believe in. Our students are our brightest stars and have much to teach us as they learn. Learning
new skills, whether it’s general pediatrics, ambulatory care, or how to talk with parents and children in office settings, are
new experiences at one time or another. We forget how new, unusual, and maybe even scary this can be. Help these students
make good choices for themselves and the profession they choose.
● Use preceptorships as a recruitment tool. You may become acquainted with medical students who would fit well into
your practice. You’ll have an opportunity to follow these students through their medical school years, get to know them,
watch them learn, and one day invite them to return to your community and your practice as a new partner.

What are the qualifications?

  • at least 50% general pediatrics
  • office or clinic-based
  • full-time practice

Program Goals and Objectives:

Background
In 1995, as a result of legislation enacted by the Texas Legislature, a statewide program in general pediatrics was created. The Texas Pediatric Society (TPS) was chosen to implement and administer the program. The General Pediatric Preceptorship Program is one of three primary care preceptorship programs in the state. Students from Texas medical schools are eligible to participate. General pediatricians from all areas of the state serve as preceptors. Students are encouraged to do preceptorships in rural or underserved areas.

Overall Program Goals
The General Pediatric Preceptorship Program provides an opportunity for medical students (both preclinical and clinical) to experience a practical, clinical learning environment in the office of a practicing general pediatrician. The program is intended to encourage pre-clinical students to develop an interest in and excitement for general community pediatrics. Students who are considering pediatrics as a career should find this experience very helpful in making their career decision. Fourth year students who may have already decided to go into pediatrics will further develop practical, hands-on pediatric skills and broaden their understanding of the knowledge and training necessary to run a pediatric practice.

Expectations and Objectives
While the individual student's experience may vary dependent upon the particular preceptor's practice, the following expectations and objectives will be a part of all students' experience in the General Pediatric Preceptorship Program.

The preceptorship is intended to expose the student to:

  1. The wide range of clinical problems seen by pediatricians in outpatient and inpatient settings;
  2. The challenges and rewards of maintaining a pediatric practice;
  3. The relationship of the pediatrician to other health care providers; and
  4. The role of the pediatrician in his/her community.

During the preceptorship the student is expected to:

  1. Take his/her responsibilities as a medical student seriously.
  2. Arrive on time for the required components of the preceptorial experience.
  3. Express an interest in the underlying content material of a pediatric practice.
  4. Interact courteously and professionally with members of the staff and patients.
  5. Actively solicit help when he/she needs it.
  6. Listen to and accept feedback in a constructive manner.

Following the preceptorship, the student should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate commitment to patient care.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to establish rapport with patients.
  3. Ask questions about and express some understanding of the nature of the practice of pediatrics.
  4. Recognize the potential importance of the child and home environment in the management of patient problems.
  5. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of pediatricians to their community.
  6. Demonstrate an awareness of and the appropriate use of community resources available for comprehensive patient care.
  7. Take a history that is appropriate for his/her level of training.
  8. Perform examinations that are appropriate for his/her level of training.
  9. Demonstrate a fund of basic knowledge that is appropriate for his/her level of training.
  10. Develop an understanding of practice management (or the business side of practice), which involves staffing, billing procedures, scheduling, record keeping, and personnel policies.

If you are already a preceptor, and have just completed a rotation please submit your evaluation of your student below:

If you are already a preceptor please fill out our preceptor update form at least once per year. Physicians may receive no financial remuneration or payment of expenses for participation as preceptors.