The Resident’s Perspective
The Resident’s Perspective
Stephanie Porter, MS,CPOStephanie Porter, MS,CPO
BackgroundBackground
Prosthetic residency 2002-2003
2 sites, 3 clinicians
Orthotic residency 2003-2004 2 sites, 3 clinicians
Prosthetic residency 2002-2003
2 sites, 3 clinicians
Orthotic residency 2003-2004 2 sites, 3 clinicians
VariablesVariables
Education Experience
Clinical Technical Professional
Family Initiative Guidance Mentorship
Education Experience
Clinical Technical Professional
Family Initiative Guidance Mentorship
EducationEducation
Shortened educational training Baccalaureate vs. Post-
Baccalaureate Undergraduate studies Pre-requisites
Shortened educational training Baccalaureate vs. Post-
Baccalaureate Undergraduate studies Pre-requisites
Clinical Experience Pros
Clinical Experience Pros
250 Clinical hours in school Hands-on field Synthesis of classroom information with
clinical setting Opportunity for new questions and
increased understanding Organized approach to clinical problem-
solving Newer technology vs. older text
250 Clinical hours in school Hands-on field Synthesis of classroom information with
clinical setting Opportunity for new questions and
increased understanding Organized approach to clinical problem-
solving Newer technology vs. older text
Clinical Experience Cons
Clinical Experience Cons
Not enough autonomy Limited variety of exposure
depending on practice Decreased continuity if working
between practices/clinicians Cheap labor
Not enough autonomy Limited variety of exposure
depending on practice Decreased continuity if working
between practices/clinicians Cheap labor
Technical ExperienceTechnical Experience
Limited prior experience
Tech tips “Bridging the
gap” Repetition of
modification, fitting, seeing results
Limited prior experience
Tech tips “Bridging the
gap” Repetition of
modification, fitting, seeing results
Prior experience “Paying dues”
mentality Tech work and
limited clinical exposure
Prior experience “Paying dues”
mentality Tech work and
limited clinical exposure
Professional ExperienceProfessional Experience
First “real” job Exposure to
billing, coding, business practice
Case presentations for peers
First “real” job Exposure to
billing, coding, business practice
Case presentations for peers
Not first “real” job Different
organizational style or approach than preceptor
Not first “real” job Different
organizational style or approach than preceptor
FamilyFamily
Geography Family has to move or be separated Residency goals compromised
Salary lower Long work hours
Geography Family has to move or be separated Residency goals compromised
Salary lower Long work hours
InitiativeInitiative
A residency is what you make of it
A residency is what you make of it
GuidanceGuidance
Quarterly feedback as to where improvement needed
True evaluation of skills Preparation for exams
Quarterly feedback as to where improvement needed
True evaluation of skills Preparation for exams
MentorshipMentorship
Connection with seasoned practitioner
Practice in a “safe” environment Opportunity to pursue research
questions Someone to go to with questions
when out in practice
Connection with seasoned practitioner
Practice in a “safe” environment Opportunity to pursue research
questions Someone to go to with questions
when out in practice
ConclusionConclusion
Questions?Questions?
Thank You!Thank You!