Five interweaving themes are discussed: the meaning of graduate education; who should control specialization; the role of residents in filling hospital needs; whether graduate medical education is a university responsibility; and how far the distribution of residencies should match perceived manpower needs. (LBH)

Problems encountered in medical education and its administration are examined in this speech before the Association of American Medical Colleges, and solutions are suggested that involve professional cooperation and cognizance of the physician-patient relationship. (LBH)

Major dimensions of consumer perceptions were identified using factor analysis of survey data as follows: accessibility, availability of family doctors, and of hospitals/specialists, completeness of facilities, continuity of care, and physician conduct. Conduct was clearly the most important factor in general satisfaction. (Author/LBH)

A survey of residents at five training hospitals concerning the variables affecting physicians' practice behavior in treating alcoholism supported the view that alcohol-related training and experience would influence practice behavior more than attitudes or knowledge. (MSE)

Investigated use of cognitive/attentional distraction (via commercially available video games) to control conditioned nausea in pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Video game-playing resulted in significantly less nausea. The introduction and withdrawal of the opportunity to play video games produced significant changes (reduction…

Analyzes a highly successful negative public relations campaign carried on by major pro-choice organizations from October 1985 through March 1987. Explores the effectiveness of this campaign (much of it carried on in the media), and questions the ethics of such a campaign. (NKA)

Two case reports are presented of institutionalized women who were diagnosed as having Prader-Willi syndrome at the ages of 54 and 69. Implications are discussed for management of such persons and for program planning/funding for a much longer life expectancy than earlier realized. (Author/JDD)

High-impact trends in optometric practice are examined including looks at several different approaches to practice (narrow scope, broad scope, primary care, and specialty practice), alternatives and predictions, and specific curricular recommendations. (MSE)

A group of patient-centered comprehensive-care clinics revised its treatment planning system to better accommodate patient needs for information while still serving student needs for instruction and support. (MSE)

The development of competitive markets for health services and the shift to the provisions of services through large-scale organizations are having a profound effect on academic health sciences centers. The teaching programs based at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic are threatened as health maintenance organizations restrict…

The authors are concerned that the health-care system has become depersonalized. They propose a prerequisite course for admission to all allied health programs to present a wider perspective on health and illness. The course would be modeled on humanistic rather than technological concerns. (Author/CH)

Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the study assessed the strengths of selected components of the Mexican American ethnic medical system within the local community of Casper, Wyoming. Findings indicated that few local Hispanics adhered to much of the system, except in the realm of some easily available home remedies.…

The impact of pediatric residents on total patient charges generated in the outpatient pediatric practice of a university hospital was evaluated. Average charges for visits to residents were greater than for visits to faculty pediatricians. The difference was attributable to the higher number of hospital laboratory tests ordered by residents.…

The eating disorders called anorexia nervosa and bulimia are examined in terms of their symptomatology, etiology, and treatment, and in terms of how the extension home economist or teacher can help. Resources for additional information or help are listed. (CT)

Results of a survey of 59 U.S. and 10 Canadian dental schools indicate a potentially serious problem in obtaining and maintaining dental teaching patients to provide clinical experience for dental students, possibly compromising the clinical education process. (MSE)