Described are the characteristics of the laser and its effects on the body. Discussed are examples of laser treatments, including angioplasty, ophthalmology, and dermatology. A discussion of lasers of clinical interest and their applications is presented. (YP)

To help prepare residents in preventive medicine and occupational medicine for their future management roles, the University of Arizona College of Medicine incorporated administrative training into its residency programs. Training focuses on seven skill areas seen as needed to meet the management demands of the physicians' future specialties.…

A study investigated whether internal medicine training program directors found feedback on their students' test performance helpful in understanding where their residents ranked nationally. Results suggest that directors have learned to rank their own candidates against a common standard but may have lowered the standards they used. (MSE)

Describes types of full-text databases in medicine; discusses features for searching full-text journal databases available through online vendors; reviews research on full-text databases in medicine; and describes the MEDLINE/Full-Text Research Project at the University of Missouri (Columbia) which investigated precision, recall, and relevancy.…

To develop a curriculum for advanced general dentistry, the University of Kentucky surveyed 40 practicing dentists concerning inclusion of 65 topics. Fifty-nine topics were voted essential or desirable, 40 by a two-thirds majority. The Delphi Technique was found useful for involving potential students in curriculum design, and the resulting…

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford was established to provide community-based medical education. Students have extensive clinical training at community health centers, and 48% of graduates eventually practice primary care. To support generalist education, faculty changes in attitudes, behavior, and knowledge and curriculum…

This article highlights key portions of the National Institutes of Health's National Asthma Education Program. Guidelines for understanding asthma triggers and medications are provided, and approaches to controlling environmental factors are suggested. (Author/PB)

A review of the literature on medical school curriculum and primary care specialty choice suggests that three types of curricular experiences may increase interest in primary care: third-year required family medicine clerkships, especially longer clerkships; continuity experiences in primary care settings; and primary care tracks. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated how well four family medicine residency directors could predict their students' performances on the Quebec licensing examination for family physicians. Results showed the directors had difficulty discriminating among performance groups, suggesting that evaluations by directors and standardized examination results should be…

The costs of outpatient training for medical residents in a community health center (CHC) are analyzed, based on a family practice residency of one medical school. The model used a computer spreadsheet program to determine the financial impact of the program on the CHC. Sensitivity analyses determined the effects of changing productivity, nursing…

Five part-time family physicians attended a course in the patient-centered clinical method over three months. The small group format using role playing and videotaped examples emphasized understanding the patient's point of view and doctor-patient collaboration. (SK)

Describes one college's mandatory mass cholesterol screening for new students. Each year, over 30 beginning students with unknown hypercholesterolemia were detected. The program suggests that mass screening efficiently and economically identifies students who would benefit from cholesterol reduction, a modifiable risk in coronary artery disease.…

This study proposes an alternative approach to research on the acquisition of sociocultural competence, focusing on a speech event rather than a speech act, and drawing on the concept of scripts as developed by cognitive psychologists. (51 references) (JL)

A national medical school survey found 141 oaths given in 1989, indicating some offered a choice. Analysis found few demonstrated respect for patient autonomy; none included veracity. It is concluded that the oaths failed to address the changing physician-patient relationship and affirmed traditional principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence.…

Research indicates athletes may require more of certain nutrients than other healthy individuals. The article discusses vitamin requirements and deficiencies and how to supply the needed nutrients. Since coaches, trainers, and physical education teachers influence their athletes' behaviors, they must examine the issues associated with vitamin…