Examined how the Society of Directors of Research in Medical Education (SDRME) and offices of medical education (OMEs) have contributed to the research in medical education (RIME) efforts. Found that SDRME has sponsored literature reviews and collaborated with various national organizations. OMEs have served the needs of their institutions and…

Studied the arts-related activities available in U.S. medical schools through a questionnaire completed by 100 medical school deans (78% response rate). Twenty-one medical schools offered arts-related required courses, 42 offered electives, and 89 offered extracurricular activities in the arts. (SLD)

Studies in five senior medical school classes at Southern Illinois University investigated whether using multiple standardized patients to simulate the same case in postclerkship medical student evaluation affects the measure's reliability. Results of three studies show little or no effect on reliability of total, checklist, or written test…

A study using five Southern Illinois University senior medical school classes (n=350 students) investigated whether having a standardized patient simulate a case repeatedly in postclerkship medical student evaluation affects the measure's reliability. Results suggest that repeated simulation had little or no effect on intercase reliability of…

Surveyed clinical clerkship directors at a large medical school to determine which patient problems they regarded as critical or important to know. Found a significant overlap of the clinical curriculum between clerkships, suggesting multiple opportunities for faculty collaboration in clinical education. (EV)

Surveyed African American and White physicians to compare their satisfaction with medical school, their medical career, and their professional and research activities and achievements. Found that respondents were comparable as to their careers, professional activities, and achievements. African Americans' practice patterns reflected a greater…

Analysis of 61 inpatient medical writeups by 23 third year medicine clerks found smoking history notations in 74 percent but quantification of exposure much less commonly. None detailed patient addiction or willingness to quit, or included smoking cessation in the patient plan. Students' smoking assessment and cessation skills are seen as poorly…

A Finnish university medical school precedes its cadaver dissection course with lectures on death, dissection, and psychological response. Student surveys reveal that the lectures have created an awareness that has helped them through difficult situations and prevented dissipation of energy through emotional reaction. Long-term benefits are also…

Nine local groups of general practitioners in Norway participated in a study of the usefulness of peer group discussion of actual cases as a means of professional development. Physicians brought referral cases and feedback (correspondence) from the specialist concerned to the group for analysis and received suggestions for further study. (MSE)

A study of 54 first-year Marshall University (West Virginia) medical students found that a preventive cardiology curriculum improved both knowledge of and attitudes about preventive cardiology in general and on all 4 subscales (epidemiological evidence, risk factor characteristics, pathophysiology, primary interventions). (Author/MSE)

In cases where private medical practitioners volunteer as preceptors in medical clerkships, standardizing and evaluating the learning experience is a concern. A study investigated the effectiveness of feedback to the volunteer teachers as a means of improving instruction in identified deficiency areas. Results indicate some problems persist.…

A study compared evaluations by tutors and independent reviewers of 11 medical students with negative performance evaluations and a control group of 21. Results indicated the grading system did detect specific student problems, but independent reviewers identified more problems and identified them earlier than did tutors. Concern is expressed…

A study evaluated differences between subjects at three levels of expertise in acquiring and using information obtained from a patient during the clinical interview. Five endocrinologists, five residents, and five students interviewed a volunteer patient and provided differential diagnoses. Differences were found in diagnostic accuracy,…

A 5-year study investigated the effect of training on question-asking skills of 42 licensing examiners in orthopedic surgery. Results indicate that a three-hour training session resulted in examiners' asking many more open-ended and/or problem-solving questions, suggesting the effectiveness of the training program. (Author/MSE)

Assessed MedEthEx Online, a computer-based learning program, in improving communication skills as part of a required bioethics course for medical students. Exam scores of users were comparable with non-users, although computerized-learning students scored higher in specific exam areas, felt somewhat more clinically prepared, and rated the course…