Methodological techniques were employed to study the reliability, validity, and uniqueness of peer ratings that two sets of graduating students received during their final internal medicine rotation. Results indicate that peer ratings given as part of a promotion process were internally consistent, unbiased, and valid. (Author/MLW)

To lessen the traditional mind-body dichotomy in medicine, the West Virginia University School of Medicine has integrated psychiatry into the Department of Internal Medicine and the university hospital's psychiatric ward has been transformed into the Conjoint Medicine Service. Patients with a variety of emotional and medical problems are admitted.…

Data on 180 pediatrics and 302 internal medicine residency training programs concerning vacation, leave of absence, extension of training because of absence, and related policy suggest wide variation depending on postgraduate year of training, discipline, program size, and program type. Implications for accreditation, testing, and certification…

A study investigated whether internal medicine training program directors found feedback on their students' test performance helpful in understanding where their residents ranked nationally. Results suggest that directors have learned to rank their own candidates against a common standard but may have lowered the standards they used. (MSE)

A study with 21 internal medicine residents at 1 teaching hospital found that the students perceived an even balance between the service and education functions of their night-call activities. No significant difference was found between first-year and senior (second-, third-, and fourth-year) residents. (Author/MSE)

The Medical College of Georgia's third-year medicine clerkship includes a one-month ambulatory care block rotation in internal medicine, medicine, and dermatology. Students present topics and participate in case discussions in daily and weekly conferences. Program success is resulting in expansion. (MSE)

The process of resident education in an internal medicine practice was examined through interviews with 14 residents, who discussed their educational experience while caring for ten patients. Study results suggest that resident education in this setting depends upon feedback during patient care, reviewing cases, and reading. (Author/LBH)

The way that residents in internal medicine allotted their time during patient management rounds was determined. House staff teams were observed for four days, and the time spent on all activities was recorded. The study suggests that medical educators should be concerned about the thoroughness of house staff work rounds. (Author/MLW)

Three chronically ill patients were trained to evaluate the performance of 31 second-year internal medicine house officers based upon: a checklist for the medical data elicited during the medical interview; the process of the interview; and the physical examination technique. (Author/MLW)

A program during clerkships in internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery at Ben-Gurion University emphasizes psychosocial conferences teaching to include tutorial guidance throughout the student's preparation of a case presentation in which psychological, sociological, and anthropological aspects of the patients' coping with illness and the…

To address problems of geographic and specialty distribution of physicians in the states of Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, the University of Washington School of Medicine developed a regional program of graduate medical education. The program is centrally coordinated by the school's associate dean for clinical affairs. (Author/MLW)

A study of internal medicine residents' attitudes toward specific older patients' health status, adjustment to medical care, and expected benefits of health education activities found that residents' attitudes correlated with their satisfaction and that patients tended to express greater satisfaction than residents. (Author/MSE)

The continuity of health care includes three elements: cognitive, management, and relationship. Exploration of each expands the understanding of continuity in medical practice. Continuity of care can be evaluated in both undergraduate and residency programs by the application of the criteria offered. (Author/MLW)

A summary of what is generally thought to be taught well in internal medicine and what is taught less effectively is presented. The roles of medical students are considered in that context. Teaching contributions, evaluation of teaching, problems on clerkships, and opportunities for change are discussed. (MLW)

Faculty members and residents at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Nebraska were surveyed to determine whether there was agreement on a core of procedural skills that all internal medicine residents should be able to perform. Nineteen procedures were indicated by 90 percent or more of the respondents. (Author/MLW)