January 2021 Preceptor of the Month
Congratulations, and THANK YOU to our January Preceptor of the Month: Dr. Luke McCausland from Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, UT. Dr. McCausland was nominated by physical therapy student Jordan Reed, who had this to say about his mentor:
"Luke was an excellent clinical instructor for the 8 weeks I was in St. George, Utah. From day one, he treated me like one of the team members. Each morning he would cheerfully greet me. It seems like a simple thing, but many co-workers do not enjoy this luxury on a daily basis. This set the tone for the rest of the day and helped me feel comfortable working along side him. He expected me to display professionalism in my interactions with others while he exemplified the attributes of a professional himself. During team meetings, he would ask my opinions and allow me to speak and give my input on matters. When correction or training was needed, he made sure to do so behind a closed door to avoid any potential humiliation that would come from doing so publicly.
Luke demonstrated a high level of competency and knowledge without boasting about it. He used his knowledge not to dominate, but to lift and educate students, patients, and co-workers. He exemplified using evidence based practice to treat people. On a weekly basis, we would discuss some study that was pertinent to our care. He would encourage me to not only read published articles, but to analyze the quality of work performed within them. He seemed to have an endless supply of good research articles or references to answer my questions and help me learn. I also watched him educate patients. Almost every person leaving his office would have learned something new about their condition or health in general because Luke took the time to share what he knows.
Lastly, Luke deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond what is expected of him. He would volunteer for responsibilities that others would avoid. More than once I caught him trying to be unnoticed while doing a kind act or helping someone be recognized for their accomplishments. He probably doesn't realize how many times I found him doing something good when he thought no one was watching.
I will truly be better clinician because of Luke's influence. He deserves to be recognized for his inclusiveness, excellence in knowledge and understanding, exceeding expectations, and regularly going out of his way often to help others. It would be my hope that all students would get opportunities as beneficial and enjoyable as mine with Luke.
Luke and I are the same in the fact that we both enjoy a challenge. On one occasion, he stepped back from treating a patient that I am sure he could have easily helped and allowed me to take the lead in treating her dizziness. It was the first time I had been placed in the situation to care for an individual with this specific condition. Because of the schedule, Luke allowed me to work with the patient a little longer than usual. I struggled through the steps of rehabilitation, sometimes making errors, sometimes recognizing success. It was with this individual and challenge that I first felt like a real physical therapist.
Afterwards, Luke mentioned how he liked to step back and let the student take the reigns because learning often occurs in these types of situations. Without being critiqued in the moment, it allowed me to think through the process and problem solve without someone hovering over me. This experience gave me the "ah-ha" moment to realize "I can do this therapy thing." I will always be appreciative of that opportunity and challenge he offered me."
~Submitted by Jordan Reed, ISU Physical Therapy Student
