PRECEPTORSHIPSTORIES
PRECEPTORSHIP STORIES With the vision of Dr. Ron Oberstein and under the leadership of Dr. Scott Donaldson, the preceptorship program at Life West has literally taken off like a rocket. This was a clear and obvious need that the president identified early in his tenure and is now growing every quarter. Over 70% of senior interns are now in the preceptor program. Validation of how powerful this experience is for setting our graduates up for success in practice is evidenced by the graduates and preceptor doctors, and how they perceive the experience.
Dr. Marissa Sum was an enthusiastic early participant in the program. Her preceptor intern, Cassie Stansberry, was right up there in meeting her expectations - the intern was reliable, coachable and eager to learn and grow. “She had been taking seminars outside of school with other DCs on adjusting, patient exams and office procedures to compliment what she learned in the Health Center at Life West. Her dedication
LIBBY JORDAN 6 | LIFEWEST.EDU/MAGAZINE
The preceptorship program offers the senior student or a student who has earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree but has not received a license yet with an opportunity to increase their clinical experience prior to entering into private practice. For their part, the Preceptor or host DC assists in the development of a new practitioner, who brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to the practice. This is a great opportunity for both the intern and the experienced chiropractor.
prepared her for post graduate life - the real world! Her attention to detail and ability to predict what I needed before I even knew I needed it were valuable for the practice.” For Dr Sum, having the opportunity to coach her future peers while receiving the gift of expanding her team and adding to the work she could do in the office for her patients was all worth it. Would she have another preceptor intern from Life West? “Yes!”
DR. SUM AND CASSIE STANSBERRY
From the student intern perspective, Libby Jordan’s preceptorship at Dr. Mindy Pelz’s office definitely improved her confidence in her transition from student to doctor. “It was strange to go from the student setting in the Life West Health Center at first, but Dr. Mindy and her team were absolutely incredible to work with. They made me feel comfortable, supported, and provided a warm learning environment. I went right from my preceptorship in the Bay Area to my job here at Strive Chiropractic in North Dakota quite literally the next day. My time at Dr. Pelz’s office made the quick transition into the doctor role smoother. I cannot recommend the preceptorship program enough!”
