Assistant Director of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) - College of Medicine

JOB SUMMARY: The Assistant PBL Director assists in the leadership of both students and facilitators throughout our PBL curriculum.  In addition, the Assistant Director serves as a full-time basic science faculty member and plays a critical role in implementing, improving, and designing our PBL curriculum to meet the mission and goals of LECOM.

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following are a list of academic and management exercises that may be required of the Assistant Director of PBL:

• Assist in providing leadership, vision, and faculty development for the PBL program to support the goals and missions of the College;
• Assist in the management, training, development, and recruitment of PBL facilitators;
• Assist in the assigning and managing PBL student groups;
• Assist in PBL facilitator assignment;
• Assist in PBL case revision and new case generation;
• Collaborate with administration on PBL course delivery and schedule development;
• Keep informed of current literature on PBL through networking with national organizations and individuals;
• Assume a leadership role in the guidance of PBL student learning through student advisement and group discussions;
• Lead institutional collaborations as related to the PBL curriculum;
• Serve as content expert in area of expertise;
• Serve as Problem Based Learning PBL facilitator;
• Provide examination questions for PBL exams in area of expertise;
• Oversee PBL examination process and outcomes;
• Assist in the coordination of question submission by faculty for their areas of expertise:
• Lead test construction for OMSI or OMSII classes as assigned;
• Serve on and facilitate the test construction committee;
• Serve on post-exam review committee and facilitate validity assessments;
• Serve on the Board Preparation Committee and other committees as assigned;
• Interview prospective candidates for the College of Medicine (COM);
• Serve as student advisor;
• Provide, at minimum, two scholarly activity or research project yearly;
• Preparation of educational tools (A/V, demonstration models, lectures, lesson plans…etc.); 
• Prepare evaluation tools that will aid in the evaluation of students’ work product and help to identify students that are discovered to be weak in various areas;
• Attend “Team” meetings approved by COM that require advancement of your profession;
• Must be able to take direction and receive assignments from the Assistant Dean of Preclinical Education;
• Assist in the preparation of the PBL course syllabus in detail that will guide the student through the rigorous curriculum;
• Faculty member will contribute and be responsible for overall student success, including, but not limited to, advising and student outcomes;
• Faculty member will contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;
• Faculty member will participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;
• Faculty member will commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall outreach;
• Must be available for work during the hours assigned, for student advisement; and
• Accept other duties assigned/needed for the Institution’s needs.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the PBL curriculum and prior experience in the role of PBL facilitator;
• Prior experience in a leadership role;
• Protect equipment (office, facility…etc.);
• Strong communications skills are essential as well as computer literacy (MS Office Suit [i.e. Word, PowerPoint and Excel]) and accurate data entry skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Must be accurate and attentive to detail;  
• Must be trained and certified on the Institutional Data System;
• Maintain an established work schedule;
• Effectively use interpersonal and communications skills, including tact and diplomacy;
• Effectively use organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through;
• Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands;
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Be able to be flexible to accept other duties needed/assigned for the PBL program;
• Work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations;
• Report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and
• The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and experience equivalent to: Ph.D., D.O., or M.D. degree required.  Prior teaching experience for 2 – 5 years at a Medical College or similar educational Institution required. Prior leadership role in a PBL curriculum with a deep knowledge of PBL philosophy and other theories of learning and curricular design preferred.