This conference time is devoted to developing a more global and in-depth understanding of family medicine’s biopsychosocial foundation, as well as gaining a practical appreciation for integrating this multi-dimensional approach into daily practice. Students will meet with Ruth Scheufler, our director of behavioral science, for two two-hour conferences over the course of their clerkship.

Students are assisted in broadening their perspectives, and stimulated in developing their thinking and clinical skills within and around the conceptual dimensions of 1) “patient-in-their-environment;” 2) doctor-patient relationship; 3) introspective self-reflection; 4) psychosomatic and mind-body medicine, as well as recognizing the necessity and benefit of participating in a collaborative model of patient-centered care.

Students are required to bring cases encountered, interpersonal observations and self-discovery experiences that have occurred during patient assessments, diagnostic work-ups, interactions and treatment planning, while in the office or on the floors, to the conference sessions for presentation and group discussion. Handouts and articles are also provided as required reading to provide impetus for conference discussion as well as guide self-reflective inquiry.