A study using microcomputer algorithms for more efficient management of six common pediatric care problems found improvements in all performance measures with computer algorithm use. However, use was discontinued after five weeks because the six physicians perceived the algorithms as too tedious for routine care. (Author/MSE)

In three decades, the osteopathic profession has moved from primarily manipulative therapy to full-service health care, replacing primary care emphasis with specialization. The profession should return to its original mission of primary care, establish links with allopathic medicine, and support new national policy for primary health care.…

One reason medical students favor specialization over generalist medicine (primary care) is a perception of generalist medicine as nonrigorous. Chaos science, a new field, reveals an intellectual basis for generalist medicine. The history, strengths, and limits of reductionist thinking in medicine and aspects of chaos theory illuminate this…

In the University of South Dakota's medical school clerkship program, students may choose one of three ambulatory-care settings. In one, the curriculum is problem based and student centered to enhance student interest in primary care. The new program has been successful and well received and is being further developed. (MSE)

A study evaluated the effects of a required ambulatory care clerkship on students' (n=776) knowledge of primary care medicine and subsequent career choices. Results suggest that exposure to outpatient medicine during medical school facilitates student knowledge of primary care medicine and influences career choice. (Author/MSE)

A study of the distances between physicians' (n=2,612) residency program locations and first practice locations indicates that most moved less than 75 miles. Primary care physicians moved significantly shorter distances than did other specialists. This pattern has changed little over the last few decades. (Author/MSE)

A study compared characteristics of the 25 medical schools producing the lowest percentage of primary care physicians with the 25 producing the largest percentage. Results indicate differences in school commitment to primary care education, research programs, and clinical environments supporting required clerkships, suggesting educational…

A survey of faculty (n=223) and students (n=157) in two different curriculum tracks (problem-based/student-centered primary care vs. regular) at one medical school gathered opinions on the methods and criteria of student evaluation. Differences occurred primarily in the perceptions of first- and second-year students in the problem-based…

Missions of medical schools include teaching, research, and patient care, but these missions can vary greatly in importance between schools. Schools may also pursue more specific goals in addition to the traditional ones. Additional goals may include production of primary care physicians, recruitment of underrepresented minorities into the medical…

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This February 27, 2004 issue of "Chronicle for Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "My Life as an Adjunct after a Full Career" (Caesar, Terry); (2) "Are You the Retiring Sort?" (Ms.…

A systematic procedure for reviewing a basic nursing curriculum, identifying needed changes, and developing and implementing a plan for change is described. Also examined are techniques used to evaluate the plan and to determine the relevance of the revised curriculum to community health needs. After presenting information on primary health care…

A review of optometry's twentieth-century history looks at curriculum standardization and recognition of the doctorate in Optometry, federal legislation, public health movement, optometry in universities, use of pharmaceuticals, the primary care concept, Optometry in group health care, growth of professional publications, and entry into health…

Supporting the premise that rural communities require functioning health care systems for their physiological, emotional, and economic well-being, the First Statewide Legislative Symposium on Rural Development defined problems and established goals for rural health care in New York. Despite increases in New York's overall physician supply during…

A collaborative summer program by the University of Washington medical school, a professional association, and regional and state agencies provides students with an early introduction to community medicine in rural and urban underserved areas. Students (n=74) have been extremely satisfied. Suggestions are made for identifying potential program…

This collection of 34 papers from various nations reflects the state of the art in the development of community-based medical educational programs. Papers are grouped into the following topical areas: (1) community-oriented education, (2) evaluation, (3) innovation and change, (4) problem-based learning, (5) administration of education, and (6)…