Presents a new model for attaining diversity goals in medical school admissions and meeting standards related to validity and legality. Analyzes one year's admissions data for applicants to a large Midwestern medical college, and discusses the impact of the selection techniques on both majority and underrepresented minority applicants. (EV)

Surveyed U.S. medical schools to determine the extent to which student assessments have broadened beyond multiple-choice question (MCQ) examinations and preceptor ratings. Found that a variety of competency assessments currently are used; MCQs remain a core assessment method. Year 3 had the greatest breadth of assessment strategies. (EV)

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)

Addresses: (1) "What is known from past research about training faculty in the skills of problem-based learning?"; (2) "What skills are important to teach faculty and how does one teach them?"; and (3) "What options are available for training faculty in problem-based learning?" (EV)

Reviewed recent literature regarding the admission process to medical school to determine if current policies are helping facilitate the proper representation of minority students. Organized articles under four major themes: cognitive factors, noncognitive factors, admission interview, and enrichment programs. Found that the body of literature is…

Medical education's influence on practice was studied with general practice/family practice graduates of McMaster (n=365) and other Ontario universities (n=2,312 students). McMaster graduates were more likely to be certified in family medicine and showed significant differences in practice styles and service patterns. Selection and curriculum…

Investigated the usefulness of retrospective self-assessments by participants in a faculty development program in combination with independent ratings of their teaching performance by their trainees. Found that both the retrospective self-assessments and the independent ratings by trainees showed post-program improvements and were positively…

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…

Literature on general, fellowship, and short-term faculty development activities for family medicine educators is reviewed. Suggestions for future activities include initiation of training during residency, fourth year clinical fellow positions and two-year research fellowships supported by clinic revenue and grants, and more rigorous fellowship…

Results of a study on medical college faculty motivation to teach physical diagnosis are interpreted to mean that generalists should be teaching these courses, which are the foundation of physician clinical skills and increasingly important in the current health care environment. (MSE)

The Medical College of Georgia's third-year medicine clerkship includes a one-month ambulatory care block rotation in internal medicine, medicine, and dermatology. Students present topics and participate in case discussions in daily and weekly conferences. Program success is resulting in expansion. (MSE)

This qualitative study sought to identify the complex issues facing Asian/Pacific Islander (API) women students at one Midwestern medical school as they subjectively experience their medical training. Students reported parental and Asian community influences on their decision to enter medicine; most thought faculty perceive them as "quiet," often…

A University of Washington medical faculty survey identified 43 psychomotor skills deemed essential for physicians by over 60 percent of respondents. A committee of clerkship directors refined the list to 28 skills that should be required for graduation. The data are used to specify educational objectives and design tests. (Author/MSE)

The University of Manitoba (Canada) medical school is introducing teaching in the ambulatory care setting as traditional inpatient wards become less suitable for clerkships. However, few faculty are willing to accommodate students in their clinics, and other educational and administrative difficulties impede program expansion. (MSE)

A University of Washington medical school study investigated faculty opinions concerning essential clinical skills and students' reports of having been or not been evaluated on them. This form of self-study was found useful for assessing general concerns about the effectiveness of clinical instruction. (MSE)