FAQs for Medical Students
FAQs for medical students
How do I know if I am eligible?
If you are a first-or second-year pre-clinical Texas medical student you are eligible to participate in the program.
How long is a rotation?
Preceptorship rotation length depends on you. The minimum requirement is two weeks (10 days). You have the option of three to four week rotations at the same facility for the entire rotation.
What will I get to do during my preceptorship?
You will be exposed to a number of things. It really depends on the type of practice you are matched with and the interests that you note in your application. For example, if you are interested in sports medicine we will try to match you to a sports medicine/family physician.
How much are stipends?
TFMPP stipends are grant funded. Below you will find the 2022 stipend amounts for 4-week rotations. Stipends are pro-rated for shorter rotations, subject to change, and are not guaranteed.
Stipends depend on the duration and location of your rotation. If you accept a two-week rotation (10 days), you must work all ten days to be eligible for the stipend. We confirm the length with your preceptor after the completion of your rotation. Your stipend will reflect the days in attendance with your preceptor. Please contact us right away if scheduling changes once you start your rotation.
The stipend is considered taxable income and must be reported on your annual tax return. To request a stipend, we will need a current W9 form. At the end of the year, an IRS Form 1099-Misc will be sent to everyone who received a stipend. Please contact your tax professional with any questions.
- Spend four weeks in a rural underserved area receive $5,000
- Spend three weeks in rural underserved area receive $3,750
- Spend two weeks in rural underserved area receive $2,500
- Spend four weeks in an urban area receive $3,000
- Spend three weeks in urban area receive $2,250
- Spend two weeks in urban area receive $1,500
To determine if your preceptorship qualifies as a MUA/HPSA or Rural area,
click the links and follow the steps below.
MUA/HPSA – 1) Type preceptor’s address
Rural – 1) Select the 2013 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes data set; 2) determine the preceptor’s county; and 3) make sure the county population is less than 125,000.
Do I have to commit to Family Medicine to participate?
No. By participating in the Preceptorship Program you’re not committing to family medicine, but you are committing to expanding your medical experience. By participating in the preceptorship program you walk away with hands on experience – that looks great on a resume.
May I rotate with a physician I know?
Yes, but only if they have:
- Completed a three-year family medicine residency;
- Are board certified in family medicine; and
- Have no current board actions against them by the Texas Medical Board.
These items must be verified by TAFP before they are approved to rotate with students.
When will I find out who I matched with?
This varies. Paige Newman will be in contact with you should she have any questions regarding your request. Rotations are worked on in the order they are received. In some cases, our coordinator may need to contact multiple physicians to find a match based on your request.
The match confirmation email will include the selected preceptor’s information. Keep this information handy, you never know when you might need to contact your preceptor.
Important: You MUST reply to the match confirmation email — check your spam folders! Let your coordinator know that you have received and understand the details of your rotation. If you fail to reply to the match confirmation email your match may be re-assigned to someone else. Once you are matched, you will need to reach out to your preceptor to coordinate attire, schedule, confirm location, etc. This is a professional work environment; the use of electronics is strongly discouraged while you are on-site with your preceptor.
STUDENT PHYSICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
The first day: Your first impression is an important one! Take the time to open the lines of communication and understand expectations from the start.
- Arrive early and arrange a time to meet with your preceptor to discuss your background and goals for the preceptorship.
- Discuss with your preceptor what skills you will be able to work on during your preceptorship.
- Ask the preceptor how feedback will be presented. Schedule regular feedback/review sessions.
Attendance: Students are required to be in attendance for the entire duration of the preceptorship, with the exact schedule and hours being determined by the preceptor. Vacation time is not permitted. If an absence is necessary due to an illness or emergency, the student must notify the preceptor and notify the TFMPP Coordinator
Dress code: Students should maintain neat, professional attire/appearance and wear a nametag at all times. Any specific dress code should be clarified prior to the scheduled arrival day.
Cell phones: Turn it off!
Do rural rotations offer housing?
It depends. Some locations do provide student housing options, others may not.
Will I receive school credit for this?
It depends on your school. Check with your school-appointed coordinator for details.
What if I sign up and then have to cancel?
If you have already been matched you must contact the TAFP office and your assigned preceptor. If you do not speak to Paige Newman, you must continue to contact her until you have confirmed that she has suspended the rotation.
If you have not been matched, you must contact the TAFP office to alert them of your cancellation so that application processing may be halted.
If you have any concerns about your ability to participate in this program please contact the TFMPP program coordinator as soon as possible. You have 30 days before the start of your rotation to cancel. We know that life happens and sometimes it may not be possible to provide 30 days’ notice. In those cases, contact your school-appointed coordinator or the TAFP office as soon as possible. You may be asked for documentation regarding your late cancellation.
Remember, this is a professional opportunity and must be treated as such. Keeping the lines of communication open between yourself, your preceptor, your program coordinator, and your school coordinator is imperative. If you are a no call / no show to your rotation, you will not be eligible for this program next year.
If you have further questions, please call Paige Newman at (512) 329-8666 ext. 136 or by email at pnewman@tafp.org.