Collaboration the Focus of Daylong Faculty Development Program

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) faculty, residents, and second-year DMD and first-year AS students participated in a daylong Faculty Development Program on April 4, 2014, at the Hotel Commonwealth in Boston. The theme for the program was “A Collaborative Clinical Learning Environment: BU’s Group Practice Model.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Assistant Dean for Faculty Development Dr. Judith Jones opened the program by welcoming the attending members of the GSDM community. The collaborative tone of the meeting was set by seating, according to group practice membership, a mix of group practice leaders, faculty, residents, and students at round tables.

Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Dr. John Guarente and Director of the Group Practice Experience and Team Leadership Dr. David Russell began the morning’s session by describing the new Group Practice Model, the expected outcomes from the student and patient perspective, patient flow and how patient appointments will be handled, how faculty will be assigned in the Pre-doctoral Patient Treatment Center, and the post-doctoral referral process.

Drs. Clyde Evans and Paula O’Neil directed group exercises with the goals of developing good communication and helping to identify the accountability and responsibilities each team member will have—all with an emphasis on collegiality, flexibility, and willingness to negotiate ambiguity. In the mixed groups, the attendees considered the new educational model in terms of expected benefits for students, expected benefits for patients, anticipated and desired outcomes, and concerns and questions regarding roles and responsibilities. Each table then shared their key takeaways with the entire assembly.

In the afternoon, a special session for faculty and staff discussed how to give constructive feedback towards competency and clinical care and how to keep students, residents, and faculty engaged and motivated.

Dean Hutter said, “I am pleased to see our School’s faculty, residents, and students working so diligently toward the goal of creating a successful collaborative clinical learning environment within our new Group Practice Model.” He continued, “After seeing the collegiality and cooperation displayed by our community during this Faculty Development Program, I am more confident than ever that this new educational model will be a great benefit to everyone involved.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.