Poor teaching methods, misdirected student training, and failure to respond to the population's needs have placed American medical schools in a crisis. An emphasis on specialty medicine and high technology and graduation of excessive numbers of physicians exacerbate the crisis. Proposals to rectify the situation are presented. (TJH)

Using as examples four computerized database systems operating in schools of medicine, this article examines ways in which software designs differ and some of the operating implications of these differences. (Author/GK)

The relationship of three medical college policies on the results of the National Board of Medical Examiners test was examined. Only the policy recommending a review course for the test had a significant effect on test results. (Author/PN)

Developed an instrument to evaluate the performance of educational administrators at a Canadian medical school. After 3 yearly evaluations, 20 administrators and 80 evaluators acknowledged broader input into evaluation, but saw little evaluation-related improved performance. (SLD)

Medical schools' academic factors (full-time teaching and research components) have more influence on students' career choice than clinical factors (residency programs), but the internship year and first few years of practice are also important determinants. This raises questions about the desired objectives of a medical school. (Author/GDC)

All Liaison Committee on Medical Education accredited medical schools were surveyed to evaluate 12 aspects of self-studies used in medical education. Results for 101 respondents indicate methodological problems, including lack of guidelines, long periods without evaluation, failure to discuss results with school leadership, and a dearth of…

Multiple regression processes are employed to assess the effect of student age on preclinical medical school achievement in the context of eight other predictor variables. Results indicate that student age fails to contribute to the explanation of preclinical achievement after the influence of the other variables is taken into account. (Author/CM)

Early admission students performed as well as first-year medical students in the preclinical sciences. They integrated, rather than alternated, undergraduate and medical coursework. Double or inter-departmental majors were common; few general education or non-major courses were chosen. (CP)

A model is presented for evaluating the basic science portion of a program in which the first year of medical school is taught at sites remote from the medical center. A methodology is described for assessing student performance and student and faculty satisfaction with the program. (Author/GK)

A study was conducted to determine: the effect of rehabilitation medicine (RM) educational experiences during medical school on physicians' awareness of RM; attitude toward RM; the management of long-term care; and the tendency to seek expert consultation and patient referral when necessary. (Author/MH)