Dr. Linda Carr
Coaching for Medical Specialty Boards is a unique specialty of Dr. Linda Carr. Her academic appointments in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools and teaching hospitals give her a depth of understanding of the many obstacles and pitfalls that physicians can encounter as they seek specialty board certification.
Linda earned her B.A. in Zoology and B.S.M.T. in Medical Technology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. She received her M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science from Michigan State University, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education and Adult Continuing Education from The University of Michigan specializing in Medical Education, Learning and Teaching, and Faculty Education.
Her coaching program offers physicians a virtual opportunity to receive just-in-time solutions to make their board review process manageable and ultimately successful. The program provides best practices for four critical elements of board preparation: how to learn more efficiently and effectively, time management, test-taking strategies, and reducing stress and anxiety related to board exams.
Linda’s BIOSKETCH
Since 2009, Dr. Linda Larson Carr has operated a coaching practice for physicians preparing for specialty boards. Coaching for Medical Specialty Boards is a personalized virtual program offered to first-timers, repeaters, orthose needing recertification. Based on best practices of learning science and her extensive experience working with physicians in over 15 medical specialties, Linda’s program focuses on evidence-based learning methods in four areas: (1) learning how to learn, (2) time management, (3) test-taking strategies, and (4) test anxiety/stress reduction. A complimentary interview is offered to acquaint individuals with the program and answer questions.
During her 30-year career in medical education, Dr. Carr has provided faculty education as well as board preparation to physicians at all levels at both allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
From 2006 – early 2009, Dr. Carr served as the Director of Academic and Faculty Development at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (now Dignity Health). Her work included writing a faculty guide and establishing a Task Force on the ACGME Competencies, working with individual programs and faculty on specific needs, starting a Faculty Learning Community, and conducting research that involved training faculty in scholarly teaching through an online learning initiative as part of her Harvard Macy Research Project.
From 2001 – 2006, Dr. Carr spearheaded educational innovations in student and resident competencies, faculty development, and overall scholarly activities at the University of Arizona College of Medicine– Phoenix. As a faculty developer, she presented seminars/workshops. She produced innovative programs, such as The Best Practices of Medical Educators Series, Innovations in Medical Education, The Bright Idea Network, Best Practices for Residents Series, and The Readers Theatre. Areas of emphasis included the scholarship of teaching, course design, assessment, instructional design, and curriculum development. Her work with faculty focused on scholarly teaching and professional development. She also provided academic support to medical students and presented board preparation seminars to residents at affiliated teaching hospitals.
In September of 2005, she co-directed with Dr. Cheryl O’Malley, the former program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, the development of a new form of faculty development in medical education in Phoenix, known as the Faculty Learning Community (FLC). This initiative, which now includes one citywide FLC at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, also includes FLCs at local teaching hospitals. Over 100 educators participated in a local FLC to enhance their teaching and scholarly development.
EDUCATION:
Dr. Carr received her Ph.D. in Higher Education and Adult Continuing Education with an emphasis in Medical Education from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) in 1993. Other areas of specialization included Learning and Teaching (critical thinking, active learning, small group learning, problem-based learning, methods of teaching), Faculty Development, Curriculum Development, and Academic Administration. At Michigan State University (East Lansing), she completed a master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. Her undergraduate degrees in Zoology and Medical Technology are from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan).
Comment !
Although she had never previously worked with a physician in my field, she did extensive research to ensure that I was well prepared and more than ready to succeed on my board exam.
The results … I PASSED! But even to my surprise, I passed with very high scores in each category!
This is definitely the best I’ve ever done on a high-stakes exam. Not only have I gained outstanding test taking skills, but I’ve also become a more well-rounded learner.
Dr. Carr is a kind, passionate, and inspirational coach and friend, and I am grateful to have learned a great deal from her. I will continue to use these newfound skills throughout the rest of my life.
Radiologist in Georgia