Michael Harding, MD

Johns Hopkins University General Preventive Medicine Residency

I chose to pursue a combined family medicine and preventive medicine residency program because as a medical officer in the Indian Health Service, I am charged with the health of both individuals and populations. I wanted a training program that would prepare me to understand the individual and systems level factors that impact the health of AI/AN communities. AHRQ provided an ideal setting for me to experience clinical preventive medicine. Attending the USPSTF meeting highlighted how deliberate each of the decisions of TF really is, and how the TF uses evidence to arrive at their conclusions. As a rotating resident, I was able to participate in a number of different projects and initiatives for the Agency, When I use the TF recommendations in my clinical practice, I can have confidence in the process and rest assured that TF recommendations are predicated upon the best available evidence. 

AHRQ Residency Tasks Completed:

• Verified accuracy of data and citations for a draft recommendation statement prior to posting for public comment. 
• Reviewed, summarized, and provided disposition to address public comments before finalizing a recommendation statement. 
• Co-authored a Putting Prevention into Practice case study based on a recently published USPSTF recommendation. The case study is scheduled for publication in the American Academy of Family Physicians' scientific journal. 
• Provided consultation on current and relevant USPSTF recommendations for policies and communication products for CCHQ Medical Affairs Branch and DHHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 
• Prepared presentation slides for USPSTF members to present at an upcoming partner meeting. 
• Attended USPSTF deliberation meetings during recommendation development. 
  
• Participated in didactic lessons describing core preventive medicine topics, and the USPSTF methodology and processes for developing evidence-based guidelines.
• Critically appraised evidence and presented findings to AHRQ medical officers to inform USPSTF recommendations.

Learn more about the APTR-AHRQ Preventive Medicine Residency Program