FAQs
Can I buy a bulk subscription for all of my faculty?
No. Residency Faculty Fundamentals is a training program for individuals. If you're looking for a bulk subscription for an online faculty development resource, consider TeachingPhysician.org.
How long do I have to complete the program?
You have up to one year to complete the program in order to graduate and earn the certificate. You have access to the courses for two years. We estimate that it will take most learners a minimum of 30 hours to complete all the learning activities and assignments.
Is there a time requirement for the program director?
Program directors or other senior faculty may need to meet with the learner for 3-4 hours over the year-long course of the program to explain things such as how your program is funded, how you're meeting ACGME requirements, and what some of your policies and processes are.
As a program director, can I find out how my faculty are doing?
We encourage you to talk to your faculty to confirm that they're progressing through the program. At any time, your faculty can print out a copy of their online dashboard, which shows their progress to date. Your faculty will need to meet with you during the program to complete their assignments. When they complete the program, they will receive a certificate and a letter to share with you. STFM and the course instructor cannot share data about individuals' performance (although the names of graduates will be posted on the STFM website).
What's the difference between a certificate program, a certificate of participation and certification?
“The primary focus of an assessment-based certificate program is on facilitating the accomplishment of intended learning outcomes. Although assessment is an integral part of the certificate program, the primary purpose of the program is to provide education and training which supports the accomplishment of the intended learning outcomes. The certificate awarded designates that participants have completed the required education/training and demonstrated accomplishment of the intended learning outcomes.” 1
A certificate of attendance “signifies that a participant was present and in some cases that the participant actively participated in a program or event. Demonstration of accomplishment of the intended learning outcomes by participants is NOT a requirement for receiving the certificate; thus, possession of a certificate of attendance or participation does not indicate that the intended learning outcomes have been accomplished by the participant.”1
Professional certification “is a voluntary process by which individuals are evaluated against predetermined standards for knowledge, skills, or competencies. Participants who demonstrate that they meet the standards by successfully completing the assessment process are granted a time-limited credential. To retain the credential, certificants must maintain continued competence. The credential awarded by the certification program provider denotes that the participant possesses particular knowledge, skills, or competencies. Whereas the focus of an assessment-based certificate program is on education/training, the focus of professional/personnel certification is on the assessment of participants. Moreover, the assessment is independent of a specific class, course or other education/training program and also independent of any provider of classes, courses, or programs. The assessments are NOT designed to evaluate mastery of the intended learning outcomes of a specific class, course or education/training program and the certification program provider is NOT the sole provider of any education or training that may be required for certification.” 1
1. Institute for Credentialing Excellence. Defining Features of Quality Certification and Assessment-Based Certificate Programs. http://www.credentialingexcellence.org/d/do/71. Accessed March 28, 2016.
