Goals and Objectives
Goals are the desired endpoint, while objectives are the specific steps taken to reach the endpoint.
All goals for the program are competency-based and individualized for each level of training.
Competency-Based Goals
Patient Care
Provision of health care to individual patients and familiesProvision of health care to individual patients and families.
Medical Knowledge
The knowledge base that enables appropriate clinical and research decision-making.
Problem-Based Learning
Translation of clinical practice problems into learning opportunities.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Appropriate and effective communication of information between all members of the health care community.
Professionalism
Projection of an appropriate image and maintenance of ethical patient care and research practices.
Systems-Based Practice
Provision of medical care within the context of the health care system.
Goals by Level of Training
First Year
The first year is intended primarily to improve clinical decision making skills and develop a fundamental knowledge base about the function of the immune system. First year fellows should also develop basic skills in applying this knowledge to clinical problems. First year fellows will also develop their research plan and delineate that plan in a grant application adequate for a training grant. Continuity of care is enhanced by scheduling follow-up visits with the same fellow as much as possible and planning three month rotations in each clinic.
Second Year
Second year fellows consolidate their clinical knowledge and begin to execute their research plan. A second-year fellow should have made sufficient progress by the end of the year to present data on their project at a national meeting.
Optional Chief Year
Chief fellow is an optional year for fellows with academic goals. They should publsih their work, begin their application for a K08/K23 award and discuss with faculty ways they can move their project forward from fellowship. They should be independent in the clinic and be able to mentor and educate first-year fellows in the clinical practice of immunology. Third years have greater flexibility in designing and planning their schedule to accommodate the need for specialization.