Palmer College of Chiropractic

The transition from learning in the classroom to practicing in the clinic as an intern is a challenge even for the most astute student. In an effort to improve that experience, the Campus Health Center (CHC) is changing the Clinical Methods course to an introductory patient care practicum. Beginning with the Spring Trimester in March 2011, there will be more involvement and guidance in this course from CHC faculty clinicians serving as student mentors.

Quality chiropractic care for students and their families, as well as employees and alumni, will continue as usual. While students will be involved in each step of patient care, all CHC patients will be assigned to faculty clinicians who will direct the management of each case.

In order to implement this new focus, the CHC will be changing its patient care hours to the following schedule as of March 8:
• Monday 3-7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 3:45-7:45 p.m.
• Friday 1-6 p.m.

Patients will stay with their current faculty clinician; however, those who typically schedule appointments in the morning will need to adjust their schedules beginning March 8 and make appointments during the above afternoon or evening hours.

There will be many positive impacts on clinical education from the new Clinical Methods format. It will provide an introductory environment that focuses on the learner’s needs. In addition, it will provide a consistent and guided learning environment in which students may apply the skills learned in the classroom and develop an understanding of their importance and application to actual patient care in the CHC. It also will provide an environment in which the mentorship relationship between students and faculty is developed and practiced. For our patients, this will result in improved care and outcomes.