With a view of academic health centers (AHC) as unique organizations meriting investigation, key changes that have shaped AHCs, various modes of AHC organization and governance, and factors that make AHC policymaking so complex are discussed. Also examined are models and methods for analyzing AHC decision making. (Author/JMD)

This survey sought to determine if, from 1968-77, the number of college graduates in the life sciences corresponds with the enrollment growth in biology at the secondary level. Results are considered for the fields of agriculture, biological sciences, and health care/therapy. Implications for course offerings are discussed. (Author/SJL)

A study examined the relationship between Optometry Admission Test scores and pre-optometry or undergraduate grade point average (GPA) with first and second year performance in optometry schools. The test's predictive validity was limited but significant, and comparable to those reported for other admission tests. In addition, the scores…

A study attempted to quantify risk of blood exposure in optometric clinical education by surveying optometric interns in their fourth year at the Southern California College of Optometry concerning their history of exposure or use of a needle. Results indicate blood exposure or needle use ranged from 0.95 to 18.71 per 10,000 patient encounters.…

A new pharmacy course developed at Northeast Louisiana University School of Pharmacy trains pharmacy students in use of herbs as self-selected over-the-counter products. Emphases are on use of herbal preparations by the general public as alternative therapies, safety and efficacy of herbs and other phytomedicinals, and the pharmacist's role in…

Students in nursing, allied health, social work, and medicine at the University of Maryland are offered clinical experiences on Smith Island in Chesapeake Bay. The program exposes them to the special health care needs and problems of an isolated, economically disadvantaged, rural community. (SK)

The federal general dentistry grant program supports development of new programs and first-year positions in postdoctoral general dentistry education. Since inception, 115 institutions have participated, establishing 59 new programs (88% remain in operation) and 560 new positions (69% of which are still being filled), representing 72% and 77%,…

Argues that, in the context of the present health care system, interdisciplinary service-learning holds promise for equipping future health professionals with collaborative problem-solving skills needed to effect change in community health care. Describes three models of interdisciplinary service-learning in health professions education, explores…

At the University of Manchester (England), a collaborative learning technique was incorporated into clinical experience when students were paired for patient care, with one student the operator, the other the dental assistant. Participants' responses were mixed, with many unsure of the advantages of the change and concerned they would be…

Directions for dental education are examined, with reference made to a number of recent background papers and an Institute of Medicine report on dental education in the United States. Greater integration with other health sciences, development of dental faculty teaching skills, and greater use of apprenticeships and continuing education are…

Since establishment of formal dental education in Southeast Asia, changes stemming from research and technology have led to dental curriculum changes. Development of the dental curriculum can be divided into three phases: disease oriented; health oriented; and community oriented. Evolution of these phases is traced in the dental curricula of Laos,…

The Optometric Center of Los Angeles provides students of the Southern California College of Optometry with an urban clinical environment that incorporates diversity, high levels of pathology, and community involvement. Through networking with outside agencies and with foundation help, the center provides a valuable educational setting for…

The literature on health care for individuals with mental retardation is reviewed. Major topics include: specific needs of individuals with intellectual impairments, the role of parents in health care, the need for collaborative relationships between health care professionals and families of children with disabilities, and the need for specific…

Describes a project to assess and enhance student ability to access pharmacotherapy data using the Internet and World Wide Web, and to evaluate selected Internet sites as sources for a Pharmacotherapy of Neoplastic Diseases course. An evaluation found students had previously had little Internet access, and saw the Internet assignments as positive…

Options outlined for improving health care to rural areas include selective recruitment into medical and other health occupations education, early professional socialization, curriculum reform, and the kinds of technical assistance that academic centers can provide to rural practitioners and caregiver institutions. (Author/MSE)