Educational Outreach
National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF)
Since 1996, the ADMDC has served as an educational site for high school honors students interested in careers in medicine, patient care, and medical research. The NYLF Houston-Galveston program remains a favored educational activity for ADMDC staff because it allows us to share our multidisciplinary team approach and positive experience treating memory disorders with students from across the United States. By hosting NYLF participants, we hope, in part, to dispel many of the myths associated with the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders before students initiate formal education in medicine. For information on the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine at Houston-Galveston, call (202) 628-6090 or www.nylf.org
Medical Student Education
In 1992, the ADMDC established an elective program for medical students interested in the field of dementia care and research. Students may elect either a clinical or research tract. Usually, a minimum of 6 months is required for a research elective. Neurology medical students also attend lectures on “Dementia” taught by Rachelle S. Doody, M.D., Ph.D., Effie Marie Cain Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease Research and ADMDC Director, and by other ADMDC staff.
Physician Assistant Master’s Program
Since 1996, the ADMDC Director has served as a primary research mentor and, at times, Master’s Committee member, for PA Students enrolled through Baylor College of Medicine or for candidates in the Master’s Program at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center.
Graduate Student Electives
Graduate students in multiple disciplines, including neuroscience and psychology, who are interested in translational research or in developing a broader understanding of the clinical implications of their work are encouraged to develop an elective in the ADMDC. The specific goals and expectations will be agreed upon by the student’s primary advisor and the ADMDC Director.
Resident Education
The Residency elective program at the ADMDC provides Residents specialized training in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. These 2-6 month electives can be designated as clinical or research electives. Training occurs through the completion of inpatient and outpatient training, attendance at residency seminars and the Neuroscience Lecture course, and neurology grand rounds offering CME credit. The ADMDC also provides lectures on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementing illnesses to the Departments of Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Geriatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.
Preceptorships for Community Practitioners
The ADMDC has established a Preceptorship program for practicing physicians interested in broadening their understanding of AD and related dementias. The curricula are individually tailored to each physician’s expressed interests and goals. Intensive training occurs over a two day period. Preceptorships are held twice a year at no cost to the participant. All applicants should submit a brief letter of interest and summary of their learning objectives to the Director of Education and Patient Services. Applicants are invited on a space available basis.
Continuing Medical Education
Professional education for physicians and related disciplines has historically been a component of the Center. The ADMDC Director provides continuing medical education on the local, national, and international levels through direct educational contributions, and by guiding the development of several CME programs on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Locally, Dr. Doody has served since 1994 as an annual lecturer on Alzheimer’s disease for the Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology Current Neurology Series, which provides CME to physicians in Texas and surrounding states. She has also served as a CME Course Director and invited lecturer in the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and General Medicine at numerous medical institutions and area hospitals, including Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School, The Methodist Hospital, The University of Texas Medical Branch Hospital (UTMB-Galveston), St. Luke’s Hospital, Diagnostic Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Kelsey-Sebold Hospital, Park Plaza Hospital, Columbia Spring Branch Medical Center, and Bayshore Hospital (Pasadena). Physician education outreach continues on the National level through the direction and development of CME materials and programs, research seminars and presentations, and through involvement in national professional organizations. On an International level, medical education occurs through Dr. Doody’s appointment to the medical Advisory Board for Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), and through invited addresses to medical communities worldwide, including Canada, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, South Africa, Australia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Greece, Monaco, Switzerland, Hungary, and Puerto Rico.
Partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association
The ADMDC joins annually with the Alzheimer’s Association Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter in providing a symposium on the latest developments in diagnosis, treatment, and research to members of the Houston community and surrounding areas. This free program attracts an average audience of 400, and is distinguished by the extended question & answer session which follows the key note address. In addition, Dr. Kenan, the ADMDC psychologist and Director of Education, is working with the Alzheimer’s Association Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter to develop a didactic educational course for persons diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).