Program outline

Fellows will begin the program with didactic education, which will mirror the current physician residency program. This didactic education will review common topics in the given specialty and will continue with scheduled lectures throughout clinical rotations. Fellows will also have month-long rotations with faculty and APPs in both the inpatient and outpatient settings as appropriate. An elective rotation will be included.

Evaluations

Each rotation will have goals and objectives followed by a formal evaluation. The associate directors will meet with the fellow to review evaluations, clinical progress and projects quarterly.

Professional development

Fellows will have dedicated time to professional development each week. Each fellow will be required to complete either a quality improvement project or research project by the end of the fellowship. This is an opportunity to use the foundational knowledge gained during the program and support translational application in practice. Examples of a QI project include Unit level support for interdisciplinary staff (such as a TRIP document – Translational Research in Practice), a topic presentation at APP Grand Rounds, a poster presentation of a local QI project or participation in clinical guidelines updates. Through this, the fellow will be coached and mentored by our Evidenced Based Practice team.

During their fellowship, the APP will take part in additional professional development opportunities. This includes a six-month series designed specifically for new graduates to support their transition to advanced practice and will allow support and open discussion with other new graduates across the organization. Transition-to-practice topics include open discussions around professional values and conduct of the Advanced Practice Provider, interpersonal competencies related to leading teams, leadership and professional scholarship, and developing accountability and responsibility for professional practice. The fellow will also have opportunities to learn from interdisciplinary team members during this professional development time, including neuro-genetics, neuro-pharmacy, physical therapy and Clinical Nurse Specialists, among others. The APP fellow will also have the opportunity to be coached by, observe and participate in activities with the APP Program Manager for Education and Professional Development.