It is proposed that high school diplomas be awarded based on specific competencies in broad subject areas (e.g., academic, business, fine arts, service, and technical skills), and that required coursework be developed in each competency area, defined by the school district, and combined with general education in the curriculum. (MSE)

The number of U.S. graduates who enrolled in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) in 1984 increased by 577 from a year ago. The most competitive programs were in emergency medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedic surgery, otolarynology, urology, and diagnostic radiology. (MLW)

The knowledge of antibiotic therapy among students taking an elective course in antibiotic prescription following a course in antibiotics and infectious diseases was compared with those not taking the follow-up elective course, and it was determined that the elective course reinforced existing knowledge. (MSE)

Vocational-technical teacher education specialized programs (to develop technical expertise) as well as generalized leadership programs (for broad responsibilities) are viewed in light of population changes, technology, and manpower needs through the years. The author concludes that programs need to permit a proper balance of both types of…

A study examined changes in specialty preferences at three points: sophomore year of medical school, residency, and practice. A high (70 percent) consistency rate in career choices designated as primary care and nonprimary care over this time span was recorded. Medical school programs may strengthen existing preferences. (MSE)

There is a gap, it is suggested, separating the generally cultured person, not just from the scientist, but from specialists in many fields. Dictionary definitions are seen as one means of seeing the extent to which specialists and those in the general culture speak the same language. (MLW)

Departments of preventive medicine can survive through unity, which can be achieved through majority agreement on a new and specific definition of preventive medicine. A definition is proposed that is based on a review and analysis of recent progress in the prevention of the major causes of mortality. (MLW)

The differentiation of the workforce in dentistry (dentists, dental auxillaries, others) is discussed in terms of its history, the development of the specialties, and advanced education. ADA policy and requirements are reported, including those dealing with ethics, specialization, development of general practice residencies, and needs for advanced…