A method for selecting which procedural skills should be mastered by medicine residents is described. Residents and faculty at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine were asked to select from a list skills essential to completing the three-year general internal medicine residency. (Author/MLW)

An introductory preclinical course in family medicine developed at Duke University is described. Student response to the course indicates that it had a positive effect upon student attitudes toward the important health care issues encountered in family practice. (JMD)

A description, reanalysis, and critique of a selected portion of data reported by Elstein and colleagues is reported. Data from the study of medical diagnosis using three simulations are evaluated in terms of technical properties and consistency with a psychological model of diagnostic inquiry proposed by the researchers. (MLW)

Twenty-five audiotutorial lessons in laboratory animal medicine were evaluated by students enrolled in courses at six schools of veterinary medicine. Results indicate that the lessons are an effective learning resource, that prior knowledge did not significantly influence final test scores, and that subjective qualities did not affect learning.…

Selected for discussion are certain advances in basic research and technologic innovation which shape the past, present, and future of medical care. Included are infectious diseases, especially hepatitis, immunology, clinical disorders of the immune system and the histocompatability system. (Author/SA)

A study designed to assess knowledge of biostatistics and epidemiology relevant to medical literature and administered to internists and medical house staff at a teaching hospital is assessed. The results of the study suggest that knowledge of basic biostatistics and of study design is important for reading medical literature. (Author/MLW)

A project to develop curriculum and instructional materials in preventive medicine has been initiated by the Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine in cooperation with the Center for Educational Development in Health at Boston University. A model delineating physician responsibilities in the preventive dimension of clinical practice was…

The family practice resident is taught that the patient's family is the most medically relevant context for viewing the patient's present symptoms and illnesses. With the removal of the necessity for family interviews, an effective training program in family dynamics was designed for family medicine residents. (Author/MLW)

Methodological techniques were employed to study the reliability, validity, and uniqueness of peer ratings that two sets of graduating students received during their final internal medicine rotation. Results indicate that peer ratings given as part of a promotion process were internally consistent, unbiased, and valid. (Author/MLW)

Results of a survey of American medical schools indicate that there is considerable interest in legal medicine and that while 40 percent of the schools require students to complete some course work in legal medicine, the curricula vary considerably among the schools. Topics most frequently covered are informed consent and malpractice. (Author/JMD)

A survey of 690 veterinary graduates (1939-1967) of the University of Teheran is discussed. Data include: socioeconomic background, motivation for studying veterinary medicine, views on veterinary curriculum, and professional activities. Wastage is noted among graduates who leave their vocational profession and take up other jobs. (Author/MLW)

The need to boost the productivity curve for production of animal protein and the demand for specialists in all areas of animal agriculture are discussed. Legislative action and academic priorities must be initiated to assume the responsibility for the control of disease, promotion of health, and efficiency of production. (MLW)

Barriers to role expansion for pharmacists working in institutional settings are discussed, such as competency, interdisciplinary responsibilities, and financial reimbursement. Underlying principles that may be applied to overcome the traditional barriers to pharmacist intervention in drug use problems are examined. (SF)

The clinical experience of 29 medical students, while they were taking elective preceptorships with North Carolina family physicians, is compared with clinical experience in a university medical center in the same state and in practices in Virginia. The findings support the importance of preceptorships in supplementing the clinical experience of…

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)