The Clinical Problem Solvers
The Clinical Problem Solvers
The Clinical Problem Solvers
Episode 398: WDx #36: How to Approach a “Struggling” Learner
46 minutes Posted May 29, 2025 at 12:10 pm.
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Description: Kaylin and Sharmin are joined once again by Dr. Julia Armendariz to learn from her approach to a “struggling” learner. The discussion focuses on the value of using low-inference statements to accurately describe the behavior, how to identify the underlying problem(s) the behavior may represent, and tailoring a path to improvement based on the learner’s level of insight.

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Julia’s bio:

Julia Armendariz, MD, is a hospitalist and clinician educator in the Bay Area who works closely with trainees on the wards and in the classroom.  She is the co-director for the Medical Education Elective for the Stanford Internal Medicine Residency, where she shares her passion for Med Ed with Stanford junior and senior residents.  Her special areas of interest within Med Ed are communication, specifically feedback, and the struggling learner. She is also a facilitator for a national CME course called MODEL (Maximizing Ongoing Development and Educational Leadership) within the Veteran’s Administration, where she delivers a feedback workshop for attending physicians.  She is currently collaborating with faculty at Stanford and other academic programs for research projects, including resident perspectives on faculty feedback delivery, how to improve feedback skills for attending physicians, and how to coach feedback givers. Outside of medicine, Julia loves gardening, the ocean, and spending time with family and friends