The economic and educational environment that in the mid-1970s led to the growth in the numbers of U.S. students who sought foreign medical education are reviewed and contrasted with the environment in the mid-1980s. Recent data are cited that support a reversal of that earlier trend. (Author/MLW)

Simulated patients can standardize the presentation of a patient problem, and, if the patients are employed in an assessment, the assessment can have an objectivity similar to that of written tests. The results and feasibility of using simulated patients in an assessment are described. (Author/MLW)

This study investigated the efficacy of using the advance organizer as a device to improve medical students' understanding of a clinical case simulation on the microcomputer and to enhance performance on a posttest. Advance organizers were found to be effective and most consistent with Mayer's assimilation theory. (MBR)

The long-term effectiveness of a course for residents on how to teach students, patients, and peers was examined. Three types of evaluation data were collected: self-ratings by the residents, questionnaires completed by the residents, and ratings completed by students taught by the residents. (MLW)

A 6-week enrichment program for minority student medical school entrants is described and its effect on their first-year medical school performance is evaluated. The program included basic science courses, study skills training, and a seminar on special topics, particularly sociomedical issues. (MSE)

Responses by University of Rochester medical students to a questionnaire showed that total indebtedness, including family loans and academic loans, was positively related to expected future salary, post-training work mode, and anticipated career choice. Anticipated high levels of total indebtedness were related to anticipation of high future…

A study of stress during residency training involved data analysis of questionnaires completed by residents and fellows in internal medicine. The results suggest that scheduling and structural changes in residencies are necessary to reduce stress in residents. (Author/MLW)

Problem areas with the curriculum at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Rutgers Medical School were identified: imbalance in class hours in the academic schedule, excessive number of lectures, and need for more small group sessions during the basic science education. (MLW)

Physicians who completed residencies in internal medicine at major teaching hospitals in 1982 evaluated their residency training in ambulatory care. Their recommendations were similar to those reported in evaluation studies published over the past 25 years, indicating that training programs have not been successful in restructuring their…

The goal of increasing the number of physicians from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who practice by choice in medically underserved poor and minority communities was the focus of a special admission policy at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. A survey of graduates is discussed. (MLW)

A 1983 survey of the Association of American Medical Colleges is reported. The seniors perceived that appropriate amount of time was devoted to areas of instruction, the average indebtedness was increasing, and only 13.2 percent of the graduates indicated plans to enter a career in research. (Author/MLW)

A new medicine clerkship curriculum started in 1981 at Dartmouth Medical School to ensure high quality teaching independent of teaching by members of the house staff and by attending physicians is described. Improved residency performance ratings of the medical school graduates have been the result. (MLW)

The use of trained gynecologic teaching associates (GTAs) in providing instruction on the gynecologic examination is discussed. GTAs work in pairs; while one provides instruction, the other serves as a model. A study to measure student anxiety and confidence during the examination is described. (MLW)

The effect of experience in counseling cancer patients and their families on third-year medical students' attitudes toward cancer was studied at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Using the Cancer Attitude Scale, assessment included attitudes toward patients' inner resources, attitudes about early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, and…

Medical students performed less well on examinations about drug abuse problems and patient management than on traditional medical board examinations. The best knowledge was of pharmacology of drug abuse, Alcoholics Anonymous, and treatment of delirium tremens. Students knew less about metabolic and biochemical areas, emergency-room treatment, and…