1.
Why does IDEAL exist?
After
extensive research, twelve key competencies were
identified as key factors of success in the healthcare industry. These
twelve competencies are applicable to most areas of healthcare, but are often
overlooked in traditional classroom models. IDEAL exists to ensure that
all UTMB graduates are extremely prepared for the "real world" that
follows graduation. For more information, see "The
Vision Behind IDEAL".
2.
How does it work?
You
will enroll in IDEAL twice. As you participate in approved
IDEAL activities, you earn a certain number of stars. An activity may
have stars in one or more different competencies. When you enroll in IDEAL
for credit, you are
expected to earn seventy-five stars each year by participating in learning
activities the first year. You should have at least five stars per year in each
competency. By the end of your studies, you will need to have completed
a total of 150 stars with at least ten stars in each competency to receive
credit for IDEAL.
3.
How do I use the Online Tracking Module?
Log
on to the system using your standard UTMB username and password. If
there are already activities for you in the online database, they will be
displayed. If not, you will be given a link whereby you can add an
activity. Click the button beside the activity in which you participated,
then click [Add This Activity To My Record]. A check should now appear
beside that activity. When you are finished adding new activities, you can
return to your Activity Log by following a link at the top of the page or in the
left navigation bar. All stars you claim for yourself will appear yellow 
until they are approved by your mentor. Once approved, they will turn red 
.
Be sure to log off when you are finished!
4.
Should I maintain a separate paper record?
Yes.
Keep your activity documentation for review with your mentor. In the same
way that professional organizations require documentation of attendance and
service, your paper portfolio compliments your on-line record keeping.
5.
Can I recommend an activity myself?
Absolutely!
Instructions are here.
6.
How can I keep in touch with my mentor group?
When you are logged on to the system, go to your Activity Log. From there,
you will find a link titled "Your Mentor Group Email List". Your mentor's
email address, along with everyone else's in your group, will be listed there.
7. I
accidentally added an activity to my record. How do I remove it?
Send
an email to Brian Berlin - including the
activity description. He will remove the activity from your record.
8.
Something on this website didn't work. What do I do?
Send
an email or telephone Brian Berlin
(772-3072) with a description of the error.
9.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Call the Team IDEAL Office at (409) 772-9437
10. Is
there a list of activities that students can do for IDEAL when off campus for
most of the clinical year?
Students
may look at the generic activities for ideas about participation off campus.
If they look for activities that involve other professionals, they should be
able to find a reasonable number of activities. Also they can go on-line
and download the activity proposal form when they have a new idea or are not
sure about acceptability as an IDEAL activity.
11. When students attend a presentation off
campus, what is needed for documentation?
If practical, have the presenter or the off-campus
supervisor sign a flier or announcement form. Treat this just as if they
were attending continuing education units for their profession. When it is
not practical to obtain a signature, students may submit the "activity
documentation form" and verify their attendance.
12. When are the portfolios due to be turned
in to the mentors?
Two weeks prior to
the end of the semester in which they have enrolled for credit in the IDEAL
Course. For most students this will be near the end of the summer
semester.
13. Can students bank
credit?
Yes, up to 25 stars.
14. When do Three Year Students need to
enroll for IDEAL?
They have the same
requirements as all students. They are required to have two credits of
IDEAL course work. The Three Year Students have an advantage in that they
can spread their work over a longer period of time and can sign up for credit
when they have accumulated enough activity stars. If students need help,
they need to consult with their department advisor.
15. How do I do research on the internet?
See:
http://teamideal.utmb.edu/doing_research_on_the_web.asp
-d
l, 
