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)

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…

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.…

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…

General practice medical residents (n=18) evaluated their performance in videotaped consultations at the beginning and end of a three-month residency. Results indicate self-awareness was increased. A major benefit of this method, in addition to feedback, may be training in self-evaluation, useful throughout a demanding career. (Author/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…

The Department of Community Health and Family Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine developed a curriculum component integrating epidemiologic concepts into a third year family medicine clerkship through a small-group project on a specific condition likely to be encountered by primary care physicians in community practice. (MSE)

A study of 658 University of Arizona medical school graduates compared standardized test scores, grade point averages, and family practice clerkship evaluations for students selecting family practice and non-family practice specialties. Family practice graduates scored lower on the national licensing examination, but there was no difference in…