A Message from the NCCE Chair
Thank you for the opportunity to serve PT Clinical Education for the last 2 years. You could have launched a write-in campaign during this last voting cycle, so I appreciate the fact that you didn't do that, and I look forward to working with all of you over the next 2 years. I have had the pleasure of working with others you have elected to this Board who are just as passionate about making a difference, to build an infrastructure for the NCCE as part of ACAPT that has poised us well to advise programs on the future of clinical education. The ACAPT Board knows we are here, and needs us to be rational and productive, and present meaningful data as the basis for decision making. I can't remember a time in my career in which clinical education has been this much in the spotlight, and I see tremendous opportunity for this organization to create evidence-based clinical education practices that are sustainable and are consistent with the vision for the doctor of physical therapy.
For several years we have listened to, "clinical education is broken," without quite knowing what that means. We will figure out why these perceptions exist and consider all stakeholder groups in examining our practices.
My role has allowed me to interact with other leadership in our profession, which has been a great opportunity to advocate for the NCCE, and a learning experience for me. I have been able to see first-hand the positivity and transparency that is a value of the current ACAPT Board and the APTA leadership, at the staff level AND the Board level. I feel very positive about our collaborations going into the near future.
Going into the next 1-2 years, here is what I see for us:
-We will capitalize on our collective energy and talents, by creating opportunities for members to get involved in the work of the NCCE
-We will figure out how to communicate in a way that is functional for this group, and collaborate with other groups to create stronger communication networks. This includes harnessing the power of regional consortia.
-We will prioritize issues and questions related to moving forward on clinical education, and collaborate to take the right first steps -We will develop the concept of "partnership" on multiple levels, between academic and clinical settings, and between academic programs, to contribute to that sustainability and work smarter, not harder.
-We will contribute to changing our educational culture by demonstrating that clinical faculty are an integral part of the faculty, and in so doing, will put forward the voice of the CCCE, the CI, and the clinical manager and practice owner, in building our sustainable practices.
-We will contribute to the body of evidence around teaching and learning practices, placement processes, and outcomes of clinical education.
These are my hopes for this organization in the short run. I'm not patient when I want to make progress and when we are representing others, but have learned that forming an organization that will do important work takes time and thought. The last 2 years have gone fast. With these positive and forward-thinking leaders you have elected, I hope to continue to create an open and approachable environment for communication, and opportunities for others who have important things to contribute.
Donna Applebaum, NCCE Chair