The University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine offers the Clinical Skills Scholars Program (CSSP), an educational leadership initiative within the Clinical Reasoning and Integrated Skills Program (CRISP).
The CSSP is designed to cultivate expert clinician-educators who provide longitudinal coaching and mentorship in clinical skills, clinical reasoning, communication, and professionalism across the undergraduate medical education continuum.
Program Overview
Clinical Skills Scholars play a central role in supporting medical student development through longitudinal, relationship-centered education through their first and second years of medical school. Scholars work closely with learners to foster growth in clinical competence, professional identity, and patient-centered care.
Roles and Responsibilities
Longitudinal Coaching and Mentorship
Scholars serve as longitudinal coaches for small groups of first- and second-year medical students. Through ongoing engagement, they support skill development, provide guidance, and foster professional growth over time. Scholars participate in both formative and summative assessment activities, including clinical skills examinations and bedside assessments. They provide timely, constructive feedback to support learner development and competency progression.
Teaching and Educational Leadership
Scholars contribute to structured weekly program activities, including small-group teaching sessions focused on:
- Patient interviewing
- Communication skills
- Physical examination techniques
- Clinical reasoning
- Professionalism
- Patient-centered care
Faculty Development
The CSSP emphasizes continuous professional growth for participating faculty. Scholars engage in regular program meetings focused on:
- Teaching excellence
- Educational scholarship
- Curriculum innovation and refinement
- Collaboration across departments
Scholars also participate in periodic performance reviews to support ongoing development and alignment with program goals.
Why Participate?
The Clinical Skills Scholars Program offers a meaningful opportunity to:
- Engage deeply in undergraduate medical education
- Build lasting mentoring relationships with students
- Collaborate with a community of dedicated clinician-educators
- Contribute to the development of future physicians through longitudinal, skills-based education
Eligibility
The program is open to clinical faculty across all departments.
While prior teaching experience in clinical skills is beneficial, it is not required. Faculty with a strong interest in medical education, mentorship, clinical skills training, and longitudinal learner development are encouraged to participate.
Learn More
For additional information about the Clinical Skills Scholars Program, including how to get involved, please contact Alex Fresh afresh@uab.edu