10 Clinical Enhancement Students to Become Confident, Career Optometrists A career as a successful optometrist requires more than executing a battery of tests—it involves patientdoctor communication, high levels of professionalism and, of course, confidence. To that end, the College operates the Clinical Enhancement Program (CEP), an advising system that pairs students with faculty coaches who work with them to craft a customized plan—one that highlights a student’s greatest assets while working to strengthen areas in need of extra attention. New Student Advising Program Seeks Greater Academic Success SUNY Optometry has always prioritized student success. Yet even with dedicated faculty and administrators, there are still some new students whose transition into the College is difficult. To address their needs—and get them on the road to achievement—Academic Affairs launched its new Student Advising Program (SAP). The program aims to enhance the didactic and clinical success of SUNY Optometry students through coaching, mentoring, tutoring and advising from faculty members. “Our goal is to identify students who require additional support early and provide them with educational and psychosocial support throughout their academic and clinical careers,” says Dr. Kimberley Poirier, an academic advising coordinator for the program. Dr. Poirier is joined by fellow academic advising coordinators Dr. Ann Beaton and Ms. Focrun Nahar. While it’s too early to document success stories, the ultimate goal is for the program to actually make itself obsolete. “If successful, we aim to have the number of students requiring remedial services decrease over time,” says Dr. Poirier. A more immediate marker of achievement will be an increased number of students doing well in the College’s new Clinical Enhancement Program. “With the goal of early intervention and mentorship, we hope to create a seamless transition for our students from the classroom to clinic in their third year,” Dr. Poirier explains.
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