|
CREDO Manual
Quick Start Guide
Step 1 - I Just Received the Workbook, Now What?
Start with reading through the first two modules. Module 1 explains the basics of medical
education and the role of elective blocks. This is particularly important for those who do not work in health care.
Module 2 outlines the model of elective creation that the CREDO workbook proposes and gives you an overview of
the steps involved.
Step 2 - Form an Elective Committee
The CREDO workbook is based on the idea of a committee working together to create and
manage an elective block. Module 2 reviews things to consider when putting together your committee. It is important
that there is a physician involved; while not necessarily the physician who does the teaching, it should be one
interested in the teaching process. We strongly recommend that at least one member of the committee be from outside
health care (ie. physicians, hospital administrators or employees) to ensure that the student is exposed to the
community outside the hospital. Equally important, the committee should haw a strong leader who will motivate and
coordinate the committee members.
Step 3 - Take an Inventory
Module 3 (The Community Inventory) takes you through the process of determining what
your community has to offer. While the relevance of the information may not seem important as you collect it, you’ll
find yourself referring back to it as you work through other aspects of the manual.
Step 4 - Divide up the Work
The workbook is designed to have a number of stand-alone modules: however, all committee
members should read modules 1 and 2. Most topics involve some advance planning as well as implementation once thc
student arrives. Modules 4 - 9 outline various issues that your committee will need to work with. Feel free to
make copies of the modules or lo remove them from the binder so each person can take their module home.
Step 5 - Find a Student
As you work through the modules. you‘ll find areas where you have a lot of work to
do and other. areas where most of the work is already done. When you’re ready, start looking for students to experience
what your community has to offer. Remember that most students start looking for an elective spot 3-6 months before
they plan to go. Module 10 outlines how to attract a student to your community.
Step 6 - Be Patient
Interest in your community will come and go. Each university also has several elective
blocks each year so interest may be focused on only 1 or 2 months a year. Once you’ve hosted a few successful electives,
you’ll find that word of mouth will increase interest.
Step 7- Enjoy
Teaching is fun and students bring a breath of fresh air.
Step 8 - Evaluate and Say Thank You
Once you’ve hosted an elective, evaluate thc process. What have you learned? What will
you different next time? What parts of the process will you keep? Don’t forget to say thank you and follow-up with
the student -Module 13 can step you through this process.
|