Comprehensive Resident Training in PM&R
A cornerstone of Dr. Harrell’s teaching portfolio is his consistent and comprehensive involvement in resident training. For many years at BCM, Dr. Harrell dedicated a significant portion of his time to the education of PM&R residents. His commitment involved working with 2 to 3 residents per rotation, which translates to an impressive 24 to 36 residents annually. This intensive training schedule, encompassing nine half-days each week throughout the year, provided residents with invaluable hands-on experience in both outpatient and procedural clinics. This consistent presence in resident education highlights Dr. Harrell’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of PM&R physicians through direct clinical teaching and mentorship.
Beyond the regular rotations, Dr. Harrell also served as a mentor for residents undertaking critical reviews of the literature. This role further emphasizes his commitment to fostering academic rigor and evidence-based practice among residents. He guided residents through the process of critically analyzing medical literature in multiple years, mentoring 2 residents in 2008, 1 in 2009, 2 in 2010, 2 in 2011, 1 in 2012 (who notably won for best review), and 1 in 2013. This mentorship in critical analysis demonstrates Dr. Harrell’s dedication to developing well-rounded physicians capable of not only clinical practice but also scholarly inquiry.
Mentoring Future Physicians: Medical Student Education
In addition to his extensive work with residents, Dr. John Harrell has also played a crucial role in mentoring medical students. He served as a mentor for medical students completing 2-4 week rotations in PM&R, consistently guiding approximately 10 students per year. This mentorship provides an important introduction to the field of PM&R for students, influencing potential career paths and fostering interest in this specialized area of medicine. Dr. Harrell’s involvement at this stage is vital in shaping the future of PM&R by engaging and inspiring medical students early in their careers.
National and Regional Lectures and Workshops: Sharing Expertise
Dr. Harrell’s influence extends beyond Baylor College of Medicine through his active participation in national and regional medical education events. He has been a sought-after speaker and course director, sharing his expertise in various workshops and seminars. His contributions at the national level include:
- Board Review Courses: Dr. Harrell contributed to the Baylor College of Medicine/UT Houston Comprehensive PM&R Board Review Course multiple times, presenting on “Strategies for Step I” (2008) and “Arthritis and Joint Replacement” (2009). He also lectured on “Therapy Prescription Writing” in 2010, demonstrating his commitment to preparing future PM&R specialists for board certifications.
- Advanced Techniques Workshops: Dr. Harrell has been instrumental in advancing the practical skills of physicians through workshops focused on advanced nerve ablation techniques. He led these workshops at the AAPM&R Annual Event in 2008 and 2009, and again in 2010, showcasing his expertise in this specialized area.
- Spasticity Management Leadership: His expertise in spasticity management is evident through his co-direction and lectures for the Spasticity Precourse Nerve Block Techniques at the AAPM&R Annual Event in 2010. He continued to contribute to this area, directing and lecturing at the Spasticity Management Pre-course in 2012, focusing on ultrasound-guided spasticity procedures. His involvement extended to featured lectures and table training on ultrasound in upper extremity spasticity procedures at the AAPM&R Annual Event in 2014 and 2016.
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Expertise: Dr. Harrell has been a key figure in promoting musculoskeletal ultrasound education. He served as Course Director for the “Basics of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound” course at the Baylor College of Medicine/UT Houston Comprehensive PM&R Review Course.
Regionally, Dr. Harrell has also been active, conducting workshops on electromyography and cervical dystonia, as well as upper extremity spasticity and cervical dystonia. These regional workshops further emphasize his dedication to disseminating knowledge and practical skills to a wider medical community.
Curriculum Development and Innovation
Dr. Harrell’s dedication to medical education is further exemplified by his involvement in curriculum development. A significant contribution was his complete revision of all residency goals and objectives in 2010. This undertaking demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the PM&R residency program at BCM remained current, comprehensive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the field and the highest standards of medical education. This curriculum revision reflects a proactive approach to enhancing the educational experience for residents and ensuring they receive the most relevant and effective training.
Local Lectures and Presentations: Community Engagement
Dr. Harrell’s teaching extends to the local community through numerous lectures and presentations at Baylor College of Medicine and affiliated institutions. These local engagements cover a wide range of topics relevant to PM&R, demonstrating his breadth of knowledge and willingness to educate diverse audiences, including residents, therapists, and the general public. His local lectures include topics like “PM&R Mysteries,” “Medical Acupuncture,” “Serotonin Syndrome,” “Neuro ACES,” “Brain Injury Anatomy,” “Stroke Introduction,” “DVT in Rehabilitation,” “Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation,” “Neurogenic Bladder,” “Musculoskeletal Ultrasound,” and various musculoskeletal pathologies. These local lectures highlight Dr. Harrell’s commitment to educating not only future physicians but also the broader healthcare community and public.
Conclusion
Dr. John Harrell’s career is marked by a deep and sustained commitment to medical education within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. From extensive resident training and medical student mentoring to national workshops, curriculum development, and local lectures, his contributions are substantial and far-reaching. His dedication to teaching and mentorship has undoubtedly shaped the careers of numerous physicians and contributed significantly to the advancement of PM&R. Dr. Harrell’s work exemplifies the profound impact an educator can have on the medical field, fostering expertise, innovation, and a commitment to patient care in future generations of PM&R professionals.
