ACOFP Preceptorship Program

For Students, ACOFP had created a National Registry of Preceptors, made up of volunteer ACOFP members who are AOBFP board certified. The registry is designed to help students find preceptors as well as to allow students to evaluate preceptors and provide other students with invaluable information.

For Members, ACOFP also has created Resources for Preceptors to help members volunteering to serve as preceptors promote excellence and innovation in the education of osteopathic medical students. Volunteer to be a Preceptor today!

Here are some frequently asked questions for students interested in Preceptors.

ACOFP’s Preceptorship Committee is developing a number of helpful and supportive resources to aid an osteopathic family physician when engaged in a preceptorship.

Approaching a New Preceptorship
The ACOFP Preceptorship Committee sponsors a “Pearls of Preceptorship” presentation at the annual spring conventions.

2009 Pearls of Preceptorship “Passing the Torch: Efficient and Effective Student Teaching in Your Office” Speaker: John R. Bucholtz, DO.  Teaching medical students and residents in the office and at the bedside is fundamental to the growth and strength of our profession. Practice, financial and time pressures challenge community family physicians who teach the next generation of family doctors.  

Learning objectives for this session include:

• An understanding of generational characteristics as they apply to student learning styles;
• Impact of national work hour standards;
• Stratification of medical student skills and expectations;
• A review of efficient teaching techniques useful in the office;
• Documentation and privacy issues to avoid regulatory non-compliance.

Caryl Joan Heaton, DO is the past president of the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine and presented the 2008 Pearls of Preceptorship as well as providing the MED IQ Table . These resources offer refreshing and straight forward information on approaching a new preceptorship.

Preceptor Tool Box
Below are forms and templates that every preceptor needs for a well-organized rotation.
Template of a Confidentiality Agreement
HIPAA Forms

Student’s Point of View
Every preceptor will benefit from student feedback. Here is an article outlining one student’s thoughts on the pros and cons of his rotation.

FAQ
Potential Preceptors should review ACOFP's frequently asked questions for additional information on being a preceptor.