The faculty have established procedures for evaluating the clinical, technical and research competence of trainees. These procedures include observation, assessment and substantiation of the trainee's knowledge, skills in physical examination and communication, technical proficiency, professional attitudes, and humanistic qualities as demonstrated within the clinical setting. The trainee's abilities in consultation skills, patient management, decision-making, and critical analysis of clinical situations are evaluated once every six months. The evaluation process includes structured feedback on performance, appropriate counseling and remedial effort if necessary. The evaluation is performed by the program director in consultation with the primary mentor and the Trainee Evaluation Committee.
Faculty members participate actively in basic, clinical, or health services research.
The program offers meaningful, supervised research experience for each trainee while maintaining the essential clinical experience. Trainees will learn the design and interpretation of research studies. Included topics of instruction are responsible use of informed consent, participation in clinical trials, research methodology, and interpretation of data. Trainees will develop competence in critical assessment of new therapies and medical literature. Throughout the training program, fellows will be advised and supervised by qualified staff members in the conduct of research.