The six essays published in this issue all seek to extend principles of communication and instruction. They share an instrumental view of communication as a way to address problems and deficiencies and simultaneously position instructional communication research squarely within larger organizational and professional communication contexts. In…

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate a recent medical school curriculum change at our institution 3 years ago; specifically: shortening the Psychiatry core clerkship from 4 to 3 weeks and adding an optional 6-week core/elective combination rotation in lieu of the 3-week core. The authors aimed to determine whether clerkship length was…

This paper provides a commentary on the special series on universal processes and common factors in couple therapy. The authors in this section share their insights, from varying perspectives, about what it is in couples therapy and relationship education programs that work, why they work, and for whom they work best. In so doing, these articles…

"Preparing International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for Psychiatry Residency: A Multi-Site Needs Assessment" (1) addresses the needs of IMGs entering psychiatry residency training in Canada. On the basis of a survey of five psychiatric residency training programs, the authors report that respondents ranked (in order of importance)…

Proposes replacing the current approach to medical residents' education, which specifies a fixed time of training, with competency-based training. Reviews the basis of traditional residency training and its problems (both the fixed time and uncertainty of evaluation methods). Discusses the competency-based approach, probability that some residents…

Discusses suicide care as a core curriculum component of psychiatry residency. Discusses the reasons for formal conceptualization of suicide care education and offers a model curriculum as a reference for residency programs to compare their own activities in this important area of psychiatry. (Author/ABB)

The use of highly specific objectives can be the basis for a second-year podiatric surgical residency program. They show both residents and attending staff precisely the knowledge and skills to be achieved and aid evaluation of students. A series of objectives is provided. (MSE)

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.…

A survey examined physician attitudes toward operating room, nonoperating room, and nonpatient care responsibilities in their residencies. Training for operating room responsibilities was deemed adequate by most, and nonoperating room training inadequate. Recommendations include: hospital cooperation, more effective sessions, and supplementary…

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…

Discussion of educational software evaluation highlights an evaluation based on program instrumentation of a medical school simulation program. Evaluation strategies are discussed; evaluation techniques, including interviews, questionnaires, and observation are described; and implications of the results of the program instrumentation for the…

Issues of the medical specialty distribution problem are identified: how to provide an appropriate balance of generalists and consultant physicians and how to ensure appropriate use of technology by physicians. To improve the quality of medical services, the profession must be concerned about the types and numbers of future physicians. (MLW)

Third-year residents nearing completion of their training and preparing to leave for independent practice often appear to experience anxieties that suggest a form of separation crisis. Their negative behavior may be a way of making the old milieu less welcoming and thus easier to leave. Advice for easing the transition is offered. (JMD)