In this component of LEND, trainees will learn more about health systems science, socio-ecologic determinants of health, community resources for individuals with autism and their families, and ways to mitigate barriers to accessing healthcare while empowering families to be effective advocates for their children. Approximately 12 hours are allotted to the Care Navigation Practicum.
The primary formal education portion of the VCL is the Core Curriculum. The Core Curriculum is organized by topical units. Each unit is comprised of weekly online modules. Trainees are assigned to interprofessional teams who will work together to complete each module's assignment. At the conclusion of each unit, there is an in-person evening session. These sessions provide an opportunity for trainees to work together to apply what they learn to clinical and other real-life scenarios. Approximately 137 hours are allotted to the Core Curriculum.
Trainees have the opportunity to participate in a multitude of activities based on educational goals delineated in their ITP. Participation in these activities helps the trainee achieve the required minimum of 300 hours of work in the LEND program during the academic year. Approximately 6 hours are allotted to work on your ITP, and approximately 53 hours are allotted to tailored ITP activities.
Trainees have the opportunity to participate in a multitude of activities based on educational goals delineated in their ITP. Participation in these activities helps the trainee achieve the required minimum of 300 hours of work in the LEND program during the academic year. Approximately 6 hours are allotted to work on your ITP, and approximately 53 hours are allotted to tailored ITP activities.
Trainees will work together in interprofessional groups to complete a project. Group projects that are specific to Nashville or Johnson City are offered, as well as some projects that are cross-site. Faculty will present brief descriptions of group projects during the First Interprofessional Class. Trainees will present their group projects during the Final Interprofessional Class, the final class of the program. Approximately 33 hours are allotted to group projects.
The Leadership Series focuses on teaching essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be effective leaders in the field of NDD. Trainees will review the learning objectives and complete required readings or other assigned activities before each in-person evening seminar. Trainees are assigned to interprofessional groups for Leadership Seminars that are different from their core teams. Seminar formats include small group case-based discussions, role-playing, and large group debriefs and discussions. After each seminar, each trainee applies the concepts or principles taught in the seminar to a scenario in her or his personal or professional life and writes a one-page critical reflection paper. Approximately 52 hours are allotted to the Leadership Series.