Academics

Postdoctoral Fellowship Performance Evaluation

Periodic Comprehensive Examination (PCE)  

At the end of each term the fellow will undergo a PCE administered by the Fellowship Director plus one of the faculty neuropsychologists.  This two hour long oral examination involves two components, both of which are in the style of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology board examination: 

1. Work sample defense 

The fellow selects a case completed during the preceding 6 months, de-identifies the neuropsychological report, and provides the report to the examiners no less than one week before the PCE.  During the PCE, the fellow gives a concise presentation on the case (15 to 20 minutes) then responds to the examiners’ questions about the case. The intent of the examiners’ questions are to test the fellow’s depth of knowledge and observe the fellow’s clinical judgment and thought processes.

2. Fact-finding exercise:

The fact-finding exercise begins by providing the fellow with a referral question. The fellow then asks for relevant information about the case and performs a mock initial neuropsychological consultation, ending with the fellow presenting his or her diagnostic impressions, conclusions, and recommendations.  

Parameters relevant to evaluation of performance in the PCE include:

  • Completeness, accuracy, clarity, and professional quality of written report (work sample defense only)
  • Demonstration of appropriate neuropsychological test selection
  • Conceptualization of normative/statistical issues 
  • Ability to support case conclusions and recommendations with test data
  • Complete and accurate integration of historical and medical information into case formulation
  • Appropriate incorporation of psychopathological factors into case formulation
  • Demonstration of accurate knowledge of functional neuroanatomy
  • Appropriate knowledge of disease concepts
  • Demonstration of advanced knowledge of ethical and professional standards
  • Ability to generate appropriate and substantive recommendations

Findings from the PCE will be summarized on the PCE Evaluation Form and placed in the Fellow’s training chart. Grading will be on a pass/fail basis. 

End of Term Evaluation and Ratings

At the end of each 6-month term the fellow’s supervisors confer with the Fellowship Director, who will complete a written evaluation. The Fellowship Director will meet with the fellow to review his or her 6-month evaluation. The fellow’s progress is evaluated across the following competencies:

A. Integrating the science of brain-behavior relationships with clinical practice

B. Applying ethical and legal standards

C. Applying individual/cultural diversity issues

D. Applying neuropsychology to the military setting

E. Professional values, attitudes and behaviors

F. Communication and interpersonal skills

G. Neuropsychological consultation in multidisciplinary settings

H. Neuropsychological assessment

I. Neuropsychological intervention

J. Neuropsychological research

K. Teaching and supervision

L. Clinic administration

Substandard Performance

The Fellowship Director and faculty take care to distinguish between insufficient progress that is due to learning difficulties and that which is due to conduct-related disciplinary matters. The procedures for addressing substandard performance are detailed in the Fellowship Handbook, which can be requested from the Fellowship Director via email.

Exit Criteria

  1. Advanced competency* in the neuropsychological evaluation, treatment, and consultation to professionals sufficient to practice on an independent basis.
  2. Advanced competency* of brain behavior relationships.
  3. Advanced competency* of ethical, professional, and diversity issues pertinent to clinical neuropsychology.
  4. Formal evaluation of competency in exit criteria A, B, and C are demonstrated by passing 4 PCEs and by having full independent competence documented in a variety of competency elements on the final term rating form.
  5. Successful completion of all clinical case requirements for at least 155 cases, at least 5 of which must be treatment cases, and at least 5 of which must involve supervision of a junior psychology trainee.
  6. Successful completion of 1 independent research project in clinical neuropsychology with a military relevant focus, to include analysis of data and submission for presentation or publication. At the Fellowship Director’s discretion, a quality improvement project may also fulfill this criterion as long as it involves 1) subject matter that could benefit healthcare provision outside of the setting in which the project is conducted, 2) data analysis to address a hypothesis, and 3) presentation or publication. 
  7. Successful completion of 1 process improvement project
  8. Completion of 2 weeks reviewing referrals to the Neuropsychology Assessment Service, with clarification of referral questions and educating referring providers. 
  9. Provide 1 lecture on a neuropsychology-relevant topic. 
  10. Active participation in 85% of the Neuropsychology Distance Learning didactic seminars.
  11. Attend 1 off-site in-depth neuropsychology-related training activity (e.g., conference, convention, workshop), as approved by the Fellowship Director.
  12. Completion of a neuroscience course, including lab, on an audit basis (attend no less than 85% of the instructional hours).
*Advanced competency is defined as including, but not limited to, the ability to generalize skills and knowledge to novel and/or complex situations, demonstrate expertise in a broad range of clinical and professional activities, and demonstrate the ability to serve as an expert resource to other professionals.

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