A survey devised to measure students' perceptions of their medical school was completed by undergraduates at two schools with radically different approaches to medical education. The survey was reliable in terms of its internal consistency, and exhibited strong validity for a construct of school learning environment. (Author/AL)

A questionnaire was developed at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to elicit information from residents regarding their perceptions of and expectations of patient education. Responding residents generally felt patient education was an asset to total medical care, and that the physician should determine what information should be…

For 20 dental students the relationships of field dependency, scores on the dental admissions test, grades in technique courses, and time and error scores on mirror-tracing tests were studied. Preliminary results indicate that study of the perceptual-cognitive styles of dental students may have utility in counseling and admissions. (Author/SJL)

An elective course designed to create dental student awareness of the potential adverse effects of hazards and stress in dental school and practice, and methods to avoid and cope with such problems, is described. Results from one- and two-year course evaluations are included. (MSE)

The influence on career choice of student feelings about patients and responsibilities in patient care (that is, the perceived match between their style of interpersonal interaction and the expected patient interactions in the chosen specialty) is discussed. Important consequences for planning medical manpower are explored. (Author/MLW)

The accuracy of manual and academic variables in predicting preclinical operative technique was evaluated. Correlations were low, but significant using the Perceptual Motor Ability Test (PMAT) of the Dental Admission Test. Students with low or average two-dimension scores on the PMAT benefited from an alternate teaching method. (JSR)

A study to assess the differences in perception of social supports and stresses between Black and White students enrolled in the first-year class of a medical school with a significant number of minority students is discussed. It was discovered that Black medical students perceived more stresses. (Author/MLW)

The validity of an examination of knowledge in the medical sciences was assessed. Scores in clinical medicine categories and total score of the Quarterly Profile Examination were correlated with corresponding scores on the Part II examination of the National Board of Medical Examiners for three different examination dates. (Author/CTM)

Peer nomination (the practice of student selection of the outstanding students in each class) is suggested as the best criterion for identifying which medical students are likely to become the best overall physicians. A study comparing admissions information for award finalists and their classmates is described. (Author/MLW)

A study on medical students' attitudes toward psychiatry completed at the McGill University teaching hospitals is presented. The findings indicated that the clinical training program influenced medical students' opinions of psychiatry, although very few would commit themselves to choosing psychiatry as their future career. (MLW)

A new test developed by the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry that included videotape, visual aids, and relevant dental data as part of the exam is reported. The degree of student anxiety before, during, and after the examination was measured. A videotaped segment simulating a case history was used. (Author/MLW)

In an attempt to focus student attention on interpersonal aspects of medical practice, 31 students were trained to present the history and symptoms of an actual patient and then visited 11 physicians to get help for their "problem." Follow-up discussions were held to evaluate the physician-patient relationship. (LBH)

As part of the Introduction to Patient Evaluation course at the University of Texas Medical Branch, freshmen medical students visit a local elementary school to: observe variations of cognitive, physical, and social development; note variations through interactions; and interact with small groups of children. (LBH)

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Austin College cooperated in an experimental project to assess the quality and readiness of premedical students for medical schools and careers. The project and assessment process were mutually beneficial and it is hoped that they will be useful to those involved in career guidance. (LBH)

An analysis of programs and positions in the first year of graduate medical education regarded as acceptable by U.S. medical students suggests that the ratio for all positions is about one per graduate and even less in primary care programs. (Editor/LBH)