Learner Development
The Office of Learner Development (OLD) provides a range of service and resource options to support student & trainee performance and well-being across the UME and GME years.
It is our goal to assist students in identifying ways of adapting learning approaches to meet the unique challenges of medical education, and in developing skills for lifelong learning, success and satisfaction in medicine.
While OLD seeks to foster skills for enhanced effectiveness & efficiency in all areas of academic performance, it also acknowledges the importance of supporting the contexts within which student/trainee learning occurs. In this regard, OLD works closely with student groups and other offices within Medical Education to promote well-being, work-life balance, professionalism and effective learning environments, all of which contribute to mitigating known demands, transitions, and life events impacting student/trainee experiences.
Services
- Individual Consultations
- Peer tutoring / ‘Drop-in’ consultations
- Workshops and Presentations
- USMLE Board and Shelf exam prep
Partnerships and Resource Options
- Confidential Peer Assistance Program (CPAP)
- Knowledge Coop (K-Coop)
- Enrichment Program
- Medical School Well-being Program
- Disability Resource Center
- Counseling and Mental Health Support: Boynton Health (Twin Cities) and Student Counseling Services (Duluth)
Message from the Director
Medical practice is an immensely gratifying profession that requires a rigorous and often challenging training process. In a time where medical knowledge and technology are growing exponentially and the practice of medicine presents growing challenges and demands, the ability to manage these process demands efficiently and effectively while maintaining a sense of satisfaction in work-life balance can be difficult. As Director for the Office of Learner Development (OLD), I want to partner with trainees in their efforts to develop a toolbox of resources and options that provide the right ‘fit’ for successfully finding this balance, as well as achieving their professional goals and identity. OLD services are intended to meet the needs of all trainees - thus, they include workshops and information on topics such as test-taking, boards prep and transitions, as well as more individualize planning for students with identified disabilities or who may face unexpected life circumstances or academic set-backs. In short, I want to do whatever is needed to help trainees become great physicians.
I hope you find the resources and information on these pages to be helpful - feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback. All the best!
Scott Slattery, Ph.D.
Dir., Office of Learner Development
Phone: 612-626-7196 (office)
Email: slatt008@umn.edu