One of the most exciting aspects of working in this field is the opportunity to share ideas with the bright, enthusiastic and committed people who share our passion. We integrate information from a variety of scientific disciplines – from neurophysiology and pharmacology to sociology and psychology – into a coherent theory of practice. Our goal is to continue to deepen our understanding of the nature of the problem, and to help others see ways to “elevate their game.” For example:
Facilitator Training – We’ve been fortunate to work with tobacco treatment providers from a number of health care disciplines, offering a training series that is unique in its approach. Regardless of background or prior level of expertise, our facilitator training series offers an accessible and relevant understanding of tobacco use treatment principles. Grounded in the behavioral manifestations of addiction, our facilitator training series consists of a number of in-depth discussions on topics such as the biology of addiction, the nature of reluctance, dealing effectively with ambivalence, the pharmacologic approach to dependence treatment, advanced addiction counseling techniques, communication science of attracting patients, relapse management, billing / documentation, and others.
QSC curriculum training – While the facilitator training series focuses on the theoretical framework of treatment, the Quit Smoking Comfortably curriculum training integrates these ideals into a practical model of implementation. The Quit Smoking Comfortably curriculum is organized into a “typical” six-week, group format. It is designed to be implemented in a number of settings. We work with facilitators to help them develop a sense of how to most effectively use the QSC concepts to help patients quit, whether in a group or individual format, within a sustained or episodic schedule.
Grand Rounds / Clinical Workshops – For a number of years now, we’ve been invited to present lectures and workshops in a variety of venues. Typical themes include Smoking Cessation as a Critical Component of Chronic Disease Management, Best Approach to Office-based Smoking Cessation, Managing Reluctance in Your Patients Who Smoke, The Genetics of Smoking, Disorders of Motivation: Overlap between Tobacco Use and Diabetes Care, among others. Presentations have been to both large and small audiences, focus on building clinical skills, and often incorporate practical patient management scenarios.
Medical School – As faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to contribute to the practice of medicine by introducing medical students and house staff trainees to principles of tobacco use treatment. Students, residents, and fellows have the opportunity to participate in the care of tobacco dependent patients within a mentored clinical environment.