September 20, 2023
Keeping the Core Curriculum on Medical Direction in PALTC educational program fresh, relevant, and of maximum utility for participants is an ongoing priority for Luz Ramos-Bonner, MD, MBA, CMD, and members of the Core Curriculum Faculty Subcommittee. “The foundational principles have remained the same based on the work and vision of Dr. Jim Pattee. However, the regulations, research, technology, and demographics are ever-changing, and we need to ensure the curriculum stays current and cutting-edge,” said Dr. Ramos-Bonner.
The Core Curriculum consists of two parts: an online program that participants can complete at their own pace and a weekend Synthesis program that is held both live and virtually.
“One thing we have changed is how information is being delivered,” said Dr. Ramos-Bonner. “We have updated our case studies to be more relevant to current issues and made language more inclusive. We are also in the middle of redesigning our online program to make it more interactive.” Participants will have a chance to explore more information on a topic by clicking on a particular subject. “There will be more opportunity for engagement,” noted Dr. Ramos-Bonner.
For those individuals interested in joining the Core Curriculum faculty, Dr. Ramos-Bonner noted, “We are always looking for people who are enthusiastic about educating and training people, who keep abreast of the clinical literature and PALTC regulations, and who love teaching.” They also should be Certified Medical Directors (CMDs) and have experience with medical directorship.
Dr. Ramos-Bonner is committed to the Core Curriculum. She said, “More than ever, we need to nurture and fertilize the ground we are in and train future leaders. The current statistics say there are 15,600 nursing homes in the United States and only approximately 2,400 CMDs. We need more clinical leaders who understand the needs of older people, especially in the post-acute and long-term care world.”
CMDs “think like leaders,” Dr. Ramos-Bonner said. “They put on that hat and develop solutions and new ideas. They can step back, look at things systematically, and work with different players internally and externally,” she observed. “They also are tremendous advocates for their patients.”
In fact, the CMD designation is very personal to Dr. Ramos-Bonner: “It has expanded my understanding of the full scope of my role as medical director and clinical leader. It also has grown my network of colleagues everywhere.” These people, she noted, are mentors, friends, and touchpoints, especially if she has a burning question or issue to resolve.
Volunteer leadership with AMDA is also important to Dr. Ramos-Bonner. “AMDA is unique. I’m involved in many organizations, but AMDA feels most like my professional home.” She is looking forward to PALTC24 in San Antonio, TX. “It will be great to see old friends and meet new ones, and it’s always nice to talk to people who have gone through the Core Curriculum.”
Feedback from Core participants is important to Dr. Ramos-Bonner. She said, “They often come to the Core Synthesis feeling like they’ve already learned everything they need. Then, at the end of the weekend, they say that they learned so much more and can’t wait to take it all back to their facilities.”
Get more information on the Core Curriculum. There’s still time to complete the program this year. Learn more about CMD certification.
