James Haliburton, MD, a psychiatrist and faculty member at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas and a student in Logan’s Doctor of Health Professions Education (DHPE) program, is a dedicated lifelong learner.
In his current role, Dr. Haliburton assists with the psychiatry residency program, teaching and mentoring students. Over the last 10 years, he’s consistently taken continuing education courses since graduating with his medical degree from Texas Tech University. While he was dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest research, industry trends and data, Dr. Haliburton realized he lacked the know-how to convey this information effectively to his students.
“After my residency ended in 2014, I began teaching. When I opened my own private practice, I was teaching. When I started my current position in 2018, I was teaching,” explained Dr. Haliburton. “I knew how to be a psychiatrist, but there were gaps in my knowledge in regard to teaching. I knew I had to correct this, and going back to school was the only way to do so.”
Dr. Haliburton began researching online programs that would allow him to build on his current knowledge, while gaining new skills to become an educator. Through his research, he found Logan University’s DHPE program.
“Logan’s DHPE program stood out to me because the curriculum had things that no other programs had,” said Dr. Haliburton. “In addition to the flexible schedule, I was very drawn to the psychology classes. I think it’s important to know what people understand and how they understand it.”
Since beginning his courses, Dr. Haliburton says he can’t imagine attending another program and enjoys the details and topics of the coursework. He’s excited to use the knowledge he’s gaining to be a better educator to his students.
“I wish more physicians did this,” explained Dr. Haliburton. “We are expected to be able to teach, but we are not always given the time to learn how to teach. And being an effective educator will greatly benefit the future generations of health care professionals.”
To learn more about Logan’s Doctor of Health Professions Education, visit logan.edu/academics/doctorate-health-professions/.