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)

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 study examined the instructional activities occurring in one-to-one clinical medical teaching encounters of 16 family medicine faculty. Seventeen clinical teaching and nonteaching behaviors were investigated. Results suggested that the interactions are largely patient-driven and that physicians focus little attention on traditional teaching…

A one-month subspecialty outpatient clinic program for third-year medical students is described. The clerkship featured high volume (60-70 patients) clinical practice, library research (12 short papers), and close mentor supervision. Pre- and posttest scores did not distinguish participants from others, but participants later reported improved…

A study examined differences in the clinical teaching of 21 medical residents and 19 attending physicians in 2 settings: inpatient care and lectures. Results indicated that ratings were generally similar for the two groups, but setting was a significant source of variance. Self-assessments were similar. Implications for instruction are discussed.…

A method of student evaluation of preclerkship clinical medical teaching used at the University of Toronto (Canada) is described. The method has a high response rate, yields data on individual teacher effectiveness and course content coverage, is stable over time, and has been well received by students and faculty. (MSE)

A study investigated the teaching characteristics on which medical students, residents, and faculty focus in their assessment of teaching and how they arrive at their assessments of teaching quality. Results indicate the important predictors of ratings were clinical competence, demonstrated sensitivity toward patients and families, and recognition…