Behavioral science education and a biopsychosocial approach to patient care is woven throughout the curriculum during all three years of residency. Opportunities for experiential activities and case-based learning are emphasized when working with our behavioral science faculty (Dr. Tovar) during various rotations with protected time for BSE (see table).  These educational experiences take the form of:

Shared office sessions: In some clinic sessions, patients are seen jointly by the behavioral scientist and resident. This experience provides the opportunity to be directly observed with patients and receive feedback specific to interviewing, communication and counseling skills. With Dr. Tovar as a co-participant, best practice approaches are modeled.  

Extended Evaluation Visits:  During certain office sessions shared with the behavioral faculty, longer appointments can be scheduled to allow for more comprehensive evaluations of patient’s psychosocial and medical problems for the purpose of treatment planning.  These extended visits can also be used for focused counseling or motivational interviewing, and can be arranged during the rotations listed as BSE.    

Standardized Patients:  Scenarios using actors as standardized patients involve handling common but challenging situations encountered in practice (such as breaking bad news, substance abuse counseling, disclosing a medical error) take place in our simulation center, with debriefing and performance feedback provided immediately thereafter.

One on One Didactic Sessions: Protected time for individual education and coaching provide opportunities for consultation regarding difficult cases or instruction on motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral approaches to anxiety, insomnia and other conditions, personal stress management, etc. 

Ongoing, Longitudinal BSE Experiences