Medical student teaching opportunity:
PBL small group facilitators (aka, “PBL tutors”), call for volunteers
A message from Dr. Richard Kasuya:
Dear JABSOM MD Alumni,
I know many of us have considered getting more involved with teaching JABSOM students at one time or another. It was often one of our dreams coming out of medical school or residency – a way to pay it forward and contribute to the next generation of JABSOM graduates. Some JABSOM alumni have found a way to make this a big part of their careers, while others who were equally interested could never quite find the time.
We wanted to offer this reminder about a unique and rewarding teaching opportunity. The JABSOM Office of Medical Education is currently looking for volunteers to serve as small group facilitators (“tutors”) for first- and second-year problem-based learning (PBL) activities. PBL tutoring is a fun way to be involved in the educational experience of JABSOM students. Tutors work with a group of 5-6 medical students to work through a series of clinical cases using the “PBL method”. Students identify and study topics that are key to understanding these stories, and come back at the next session prepared to teach what they have learned to each other. The PBL tutor serves as a facilitator, guide, occasional resource person, and mentor. Groups meet twice each week – on Mondays and Thursdays. Sessions can be scheduled for either the morning or afternoon on these days. PBL courses range from 8-14 weeks in length (please see the FAQs below for specific dates for the coming academic year).
Training sessions in PBL tutoring skills are provided by the JABSOM Office of Medical Education, and each PBL course is managed and administered by experienced JABSOM faculty. While we need tutors to commit for the duration of an entire course, substitute coverage can be provided for expected absences (trips, etc.) with advanced notice. Parking will be provided at the Kakaako campus.
Many JABSOM PBL tutors consider this the most rewarding and enjoyable teaching role they have. They get to know their students well, see them grow steadily through the course, and enjoy watching the students actively discover and explore medical material for the first time. Tutors often learn a lot from the student presentations too!
Here are a few short FAQs related to volunteering to be a PBL tutor…
1. Do I need to be in clinical practice to be a PBL tutor?
No. This is not required. In fact, this may be a very nice opportunity for recently- retired, part-time, or non-practicing physicians to participate in teaching medical students.
2. Do I need an active volunteer faculty appointment with the medical school to be a PBL tutor?
Ideally “yes”. However, as this is a non-clinical activity, we have some flexibility in this regard. The medical school would be happy to talk with you about the possibility of applying for a volunteer faculty appointment.
3. Do I need to live on Oahu to be a PBL tutor?
Generally speaking, “yes”. The vast majority of our students live and study here in Honolulu. Having said that, we are also exploring setting up PBL tutorials on other islands, so let us know if you might be interested in being a part of that.
4. Are there stipends or other financial rewards tied to PBL tutoring?
This request is limited to those of you who would be willing and able to volunteer your time for this purpose. We would really appreciate it!
5. When are PBL tutorials scheduled to be held?
PBL tutorials are scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays. Sessions are three hours each, and can be scheduled either in the morning hours or afternoon hours on these days. For example, a typical PBL tutorial might be held 1:00-4:00 pm on Mondays and Thursdays. In special circumstances, early evening meeting hours may be approved.
6. How long would I need to commit?
Commitments are on a course-by-course basis, which vary from 8-14 weeks in length. We need tutors to be able to commit for the duration of the course. However, coverage can be arranged for any expected absences (travel, etc.).
7. When are the PBL courses scheduled for?
For academic year 2018-2019, these are the dates of the various PBL courses:
First-year PBL courses
MD1 (Introduction to Health and Illness) July 23, 2018-September 14, 2018
MD2 (Cardiovascular and Pulmonary issues) September 24, 2018-December 07, 2018 MD3 (Renal and Hematologic issues) January 2, 2019-March 8, 2019
MD4 (Gastroenterologic and Endocrine issues) March 25, 2019-June 07, 2019
Second-year PBL courses
MD6 (Neurologic, Locomotor and Behavioral issues) August 27, 2018-November 30, 2018
MD7 (“The Life Cycle” – focus on obstetrics, pediatrics, adolescent health and geriatrics) January 02, 2019-March 06, 2019
8. I’ve never served as a PBL tutor, and don’t know very much about PBL. Can I still do this?
An interest in trying and an enthusiasm for working with medical students are probably the most important prerequisites to be a PBL tutor. PBL tutor skills training workshops are offered by the Office of Medical Education, and support is provided throughout the course by the respective course directors.
9. Do I need to be a content expert for the PBL course material?
No. PBL tutors are provided assistance to be successful regardless of the tutor’s background or expertise. In some cases, having too much clinical expertise actually works against being an effective PBL facilitator(!).
If you are interested in volunteering for this unique and fun experience, please complete the form at the other end of this link…
https://goo.gl/forms/wmoQVaxF2e44oR8f1
Slots are limited in each course, so best to respond quickly!
If you have any questions or would like to further discuss this opportunity, please feel free to contact:
Dr. Richard Kasuya
kasuya@hawaii.edu
808 692-0940
Dr. Jill Omori
jill.omori@hawaii.edu
808 692-0932
Dr. Damon Sakai
damon@hawaii.edu
808 692-1001