NOSM Holds Integrated Clinical Learning Retreat in Elliot Lake
Posted on October 26, 2009The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) held its first Integrated Clinical Learning (ICL) retreat, entitled “Moving Towards an Integrated Clinical Learning Approach in Your Teaching Practice,” in Elliot Lake on October 23 and 24, 2009.
All NOSM learners undergo clinical training at learning sites in communities where they receive instruction in practical and integrated approaches to health-care delivery. The retreat brought together learner representatives, NOSM staff, faculty members, and physician teachers. Participants explored effective strategies for teaching and learning in these environments and sought to articulate the meaning and principles of integrated clinical learning. The setting of priorities to best meet the needs of NOSM’s distinctive program was also discussed.
Dr. Jack Haggarty introduced a panel of professionals and learners, each of whom highlighted the benefits that integrated clinical learning offers to the community-based approach, a hallmark of NOSM’s education model.
ICL facilitator, Erik Lockhart, through sophisticated computer technologies, gained consensus of participants in building a plan for moving forward with an integrated clinical approach at NOSM.
NOSM Dean, Dr. Roger Strasser, said the gathering helped to identify the challenges and opportunities rising from integrated clinical learning in community-based education. “This retreat enabled all of us to learn from those directly involved in the clinical learning experience. Drawing on the lessons of physician teachers and learners is critical to ensuring that NOSM provides relevant community-based learning opportunities.”
Sue Berry, Director of Health Sciences and Interprofessional Education at NOSM, also acknowledged the importance of interprofessional practice and learning in order to more readily meet the health needs of Northerners. “NOSM’s professional development spans the entire spectrum of health care. This retreat provided an excellent opportunity to consider how learners are learning from other health professionals in the community and gaining experiences in team teaching, resulting in enriched clinical experiences for both learners and teachers.”
Over 70 community partners support the School by providing clinical learning opportunities for all NOSM learners and exposure to lifestyle choices in culturally diverse settings.