What is Precepting?
Clinical preceptors are licensed health professionals that provide clinical education to students in their specific area of expertise. Preceptors act as mentors and role models helping students strengthen their skills in patient examinations and consultations, diagnostic and treatment assessments, medical recording and reporting, and other aspects of patient care. The Southcentral PA Area Health Education Center (SCPA AHEC) assists students by connecting them with experienced and knowledgeable preceptors from our service area.
For more information contact Sherri Platt by email or phone at 814-344-2222.
Benefits of Precepting
Updated Clinical Knowledge
Medical students ask a lot of questions. You’ll find that you’re learning along with your students as you update your knowledge about trends in medicine and updated clinical practice guidelines.
Better Patient Education
Medical Students and residents are enthusiastic and will help educate your patients about health conditions and treatment.
Recruitment Opportunities
Developing good working relationships with students and residents may pay off when it’s time to add physicians to your practice team.
Share the Work
Students and residents can take patient histories, perform basic tests, and give immunizations. They can also help with non-clinical tasks, such as filling out lab requests, coordinating referrals, updating problem lists, and making calls to patients.
Research Support
Most medical students and residents are very tech-savvy and can quickly and efficiently research and download information on topics of interest to you.
Enhanced Credentials
Teaching requires its own set of skills. For example, you’ll become adept at helping students develop goals and expectations, and you’ll learn what to say to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Appreciation From Your Community
Your patients will appreciate your efforts to ensure that the next generation of doctors is prepared to care for the families in your community.