Discusses the trend away from geriatrics training in family medicine residency despite the growing need in society. Asserts that family medicine is failing to seize an opportunity to advance the care of older adults and discusses what would constitute acceptable training in geriatrics and how it should fit into the family medicine curriculum. (EV)

The development of professional identity as a family physician is better understood by referring to Erikson's description of the development of personal identity. Erikson describes eight stages, each one defined by its alternative outcomes--the best versus the worst that can happen. (MLW)

The status of the current predoctoral dental program and its relationship to graduate dental education is described. Factors that have influenced the dental curriculum and major changes that have occurred are presented. Major issues facing dental education are outlined. A proposal is presented for greater flexibility in dental education.…

Focuses on the supports and impediments inherent in the provision of geriatric medical care by family physicians. Addresses providing a good educational program for medical students and residents who will be caring for the elderly and developing uniform access to quality care for the elderly, the community, and community institutions. (Author/ABB)

Offers a position statement on geriatric education in family practice residency, asserting that limited progress has been made despite an increasing need for such education. Offers seven recommendations, such as: every family practice residency should integrate a variety of training sites into a comprehensive curriculum of geriatric education that…

In a documentation system designed to monitor medical student progress in clerkships at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, students completed an optical scan card for each patient seen, eliciting information on the patient and the experience. Results highlight students' lack of certain experiences and allow comparison of student…

Issues to be considered in selecting organizations as sites for postdoctoral general dentistry programs are examined, including the advantages and disadvantages of dental schools and hospitals and the necessary faculty qualifications. (MSE)

A discussion of basic working definitions and an attenuated historical review of graduate dental education, with special emphasis on the evolution of goals and objectives of graduate dental education, is presented. Factors affecting objectives include: type of program and desired end-product, discipline or specialty, and institutional setting.…

A family practice center, independently controlled and staffed, but located within a major university medical center, is proposed. Such a location allows for patient care and education as well as for resident training. Other advantages include access to the university center's services. Possible disadvantages are also discussed. (JMD)

Medical schools are taking up the challenge to foster interest in the generalist fields. Issues in education of generalist physicians include the need for basic science teaching, more teaching in outpatient settings, difficulties of forecasting workforce needs, the challenge to generalist physician faculty, and the challenge of chronically…

Although generalist physicians have traditionally been defined by their specialties (family, internal, pediatric medicine), this approach may not recognize specific competencies and training needed. A new definition based on functional requirements of generalist practice and the central role of the generalist in comprehensive care is proposed.…

It is proposed that required postdoctoral dental education may be a step toward certifying dentists as physicians. (MSE)

If the family physician is to focus on the family as a unit of diagnosis and treatment, new knowledge with practical applications for the health care provided is required. Producing this knowledge is the responsibility of the family medicine researcher who will need to use new tools, strategies, and innovative research design. (JMD)

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…

"Wrap-up rounds," in which students, residents, and faculty physicians involved with patient care in a clinic gather to discuss the clinic session, are advocated. They allow a structured educational program to take place in an ambulatory care center without interfering with patient flow and care. (MLW)