8 Supporting Student Success

Remediation

Remediation is necessary when a student fails a required block, course, or thread. It provides an additional opportunity for students to master material they may not have grasped initially. Remediation is not a punitive measure; it is designed to ensure that students have been adequately prepared to move forward in the curriculum. The ultimate goal is to prepare students for the next phases of their training. Students must complete remediation for MS1 blocks and threads during Summer Quarter between Year 1 and Year 2. Blocks from this period include FMR, I&I, CHB, MJBS, CVS, R&R, and HNG. Threads from this period include Terms 1 and 2 of A&E, Pharm, and Path/Histo. Specific deadlines for the completion of remediation are determined by the Foundations Phase Remediation for Blocks and Threads Policy.

Student Life Challenges

Spokane students and faculty are a close knit bunch and students may approach you with interpersonal issues or significant life stressors that impact their medical education. The skills to use in these situations are similar to those used in addressing patients who confide in us about similar stressors –  empathic listening, validation, and patient centered interviewing. While most block faculty have well developed skills in this area through years of clinical practice, we are not always aware of the full scope of resources available to support our students. College mentors can be extremely helpful in this regard, as well as for general support, coaching and mentoring. It is important to obtain the student’s permission before discussing the situation with a College mentor. It is also usually appropriate to notify the Foundations Dean (with the student’s permission) about the situation.