The report of the Association of American Medical Colleges' Medical School Objectives Program presents the work of two expert panels. One, on medical informatics, identified five important physician roles: lifelong learner, clinician, educator, researcher, and manager. Another panel established a definition for "population health…

Proposes that pharmacy schools incorporate formal assessments of self-reported empathy in the admissions process to assess personal qualities necessary for patient counseling and other aspects of pharmaceutical care. Comparison of two approaches to measuring self-reported empathy (forced-choice format, direct self-ratings) found the first more…

Study investigated whether poor performance on the case history portion of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry clinical skills examination was due to candidates' failure to inquire about major issues or explore issues thoroughly. Data from tests administered to 1,266 candidates were analyzed. Results indicate candidates generally…

A survey of 429 general dentists attempted to verify anecdotal reports of ethical lapses in clinical dental licensing examinations. It found significant occurrence of not arranging followup care for the patient even though indicated, intentional creation of lesions, premature treatment for the purpose of the examinations, coercing patients into…

A color microfiche containing ocular tissue section images was developed and introduced into an ocular history and embryology course to enhance student access to such images. Students found that the materials enhanced their ability to learn. Faculty found that the materials allowed students to prepare in advance for the laboratory, freeing class…

Describes an eight-step process for developing or refining a family-medicine informatics curriculum: needs assessment, review of expert recommendations, enlisting faculty and local institutional support, espousal of a human-centered approach, integrating informatics into the larger curriculum, easy access to computers, practical training, and…

Classes in anatomy and sonography were both taught using lectures and Programmed Learning Sequence (PLS) in book format. Sonography students also used PLS in multimedia. Achievement was higher with PLS than lecture; book PLS was more effective than multimedia; and there was a significant correlation between learning-style preferences and…

A survey of 27 agriculture, 13 biotechnology, and 44 health occupations teachers found that fewer than half experienced adequate materials, facilities, and continuing education reimbursement during induction. Better retention strategies matching teachers' stages of concern were needed during the first five years of teaching. (SK)

Discusses interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary education and practice for the health professions, looking at such issues as professional boundaries, clinical practice boundaries, processes for education in primary care, collaborating partnerships, and program accreditation. (JOW)

An occupational therapy student's journal describes a clinical experience in a homeless shelter. Key themes were residents' search for meaning in life and the student's search for meaning in the therapist role; the importance of rapport; and residents' innate drive toward purposeful activity, which the student was able to address. (SK)

Survey investigated the attitudes, expectations, activities, and recommendations for pharmacy fellowships of 66 preceptors and 57 fellows. There was some discrepancy between preceptors and fellows in activities perceived as being accomplished during fellowship training and in program strengths and weaknesses. Most fellows were very satisfied with…

A mock event was introduced into a required pharmacy law course to provide real-life application of a realistic legal event. The aim was to create student interest in and understanding of legal principles through student participation in a dramatized deposition by a plaintiff's attorney. Students enjoyed the exercise and suggested it be continued…

Data from the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and classroom observations of 22 secondary industrial and health occupations teachers found the majority to be extraverted-sensing-thinking-judging types. Only 41% were effective teachers. The sensing-intuitive type was the best predictor of teaching effectiveness. (SK)

In the current climate of concern about the privacy of medical records, the following topics should be addressed in the education of health professionals: the moral grounding of informed consent, the moral and legal obligations of professionals, the promise and perils of genetics research, and responsible research conduct. (SK)

Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) was incorporated into an institute for 42 dental hygiene, occupational therapy, and physical therapy faculty. The 4-day sessions addressed active teaching techniques, formulation of good questions, critical appraisal of evidence, and application, feedback, and evaluation. Most participants felt prepared to…