Palmer College of Chiropractic West (PCCW) recently named Dr. Thomas Souza as chairman of its newly-created department of college clinics.
In addition to his continued role as one of PCCW's eight full-time clinical professors, Dr. Souza, a PCCW faculty member since 1985, will now be involved in the management of existing as well as the development of new educational programs for interns and DCs. His expanded duties include chairing the biweekly clinical professor meetings; joining the college's three deans and three other department chairs at the weekly Academic Cabinet meetings; and interacting with the interns and clinicians to ensure consistency of clinic policies and procedures. Dr. Souza also says that there are plans to introduce a lecture series for clinical professors, with guest speakers demonstrating such procedures as soft-casting of joint injuries and weight-bearing orthotics.
Dr. Souza was a key contributor to the development and implementation of PCCW clinic's "Mentor Model" approach to patient care and intern education. According to PCCW dean of college clinics Dr. Kevin McCarthy, Dr. Souza's involvement in that program was instrumental to his being appointed chair: "Dr. Souza was chairman of the committee which initially explored the feasibility of adopting a mentorship program in our clinic. He has been involved in every phase of the Mentor Model's development from day one. The creation of this position is the result of our expanded patient base and clinic faculty, and Dr. Souza's efforts have contributed significantly to a clinical program which I feel now ranks among the best in chiropractic education today."
Dr. Souza is currently enrolled as both a lecturer and a student enrolled in the Diplomate of American Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP) program sponsored by Western States Chiropractic College. He maintains a private practice in San Mateo. Of his new post he said, "This is an opportunity I've always wanted, to have a little more impact on the educational process in our clinic program."
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