Learning Experiences

What is the best way to master the AMA Guides and other medicolegal issues?

It depends on your needs and involves evaluating your options. 

First, define your ultimate goals, current status, what is involved in closing this gap, and your learning needs. Next, explore the options, do a cost-benefit analysis, and engage in the learning process.

In evaluating learning experiences, consider:

• Are the approaches and content consistent with your needs?
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities of the trainer.
• Effectiveness, flexibility, and convenience of the learning experience.
• Costs, direct and indirect.

It is crucial to define your needs. Learning the AMA Guides or how to excel in the medicolegal field is not feasible by reading a book; you need an experienced mentor. To be successful, you need to be self-disciplined in your professional work and learning. If you are not self-disciplined, consider conventional structured in-person courses. It would be best if you considered your schedule and how best to accomplish the learning.

Evaluate the trainer’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the subject matter, teaching, and using technologies (if this is virtual). Your mentor should be an exemplary role model. More effective teachers are approachable, considerate, kind, and humble.

Evaluate the learning experience, including:

• Are learning strategies effective and consistent with adult learning and best practices?
• What is the quality of the content, including visuals?
• Does web-based training involve both asynchronous (on-demand) and synchronous (live) aspects?
• Can you access additional learning resources conveniently, including written and video content?
• Are you actively engaged in the learning process with case exercises and quizzes?
• Do you have an opportunity to interact and have your questions answered after the course?
• Do you receive a certificate of completion?

Determine the total costs, both direct and indirect. What is the direct cost for training, total and per hour? (Conventional courses range between $60 and $90 an hour; therefore, a typical two-day course may cost between $1,000 and $1,500.) You also need to evaluate indirect costs (e.g., travel, lodging, meals, and potentially lost revenues (if during the work week). If the course requires a weekend, consider the impact on your personal life.

By defining your needs and evaluating the options and associated costs, you can decide what is best for you.