Didactic Training #
The primary focus of didactic training is to enhance interns’ readiness to practice in either an integrative primary care setting or in a rural and/or underserved area. Psychology interns participate in a once per week, consortium-wide didactic training presented in either an interactive or seminar/workshop format. The structure of this weekly training fosters the opportunity for a more in-depth and comprehensive exploration of topics relevant to clinical practice and intern socialization. When applicable, a reference list of literature pertinent to the weekly didactics is provided to interns in advance of the training. Interns are expected to become familiar with the current literature and be able to enrich the training activity through participation and clarifying questions. Attendance at weekly didactic trainings also provides interns ongoing informal contact with each other so they can share experiences and provide support to one another.
Didactic Training Schedule
Didactic trainings are typically held every Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Four times per year interns will attend an all-day training from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm which will allow in-person socialization and interaction. Interns who are a part of the grant-funded internship positions will spend an additional didactic day once per month on the first or second Wednesday of the month from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Interns spend a minimum of eight hours each month in seminars and workshops with required learning objectives and a reading list covering relevant journal articles, etc.
Didactic topics will vary each week and include a special focus on competency areas such as diversity, intervention, assessment, supervision, and integrated health care (for IHC interns). The seminars are conducted by individuals with extensive experience or expertise and appropriate credentials for the presented area of training. Most trainings will be hosted virtually and travel may be required for in-person training with entire Central Region cohort. This travel may require up to several hours of driving. Psychology interns are given a schedule of didactic training dates and locations at the beginning of each training year and will be notified in advance via email if the schedule or location has changed. Details regarding expenses related to travel and lodging for attendance at the didactic training are detailed in the Intern Travel Policy.