Discussion of the future of clinical dentistry looks at a variety of influences, including historical development factors; demographic trends; the role of the Human Genome Project in the development of scientific knowledge; a paradigm shift in approaches to oral infection and systemic disease; advancing technology; and reforms resulting from these…

A University of Georgia study investigated the effectiveness of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) intervention program on pharmacy student attitudes toward providing care for infected patients. Results of pre- and posttests with 290 students indicated that the program was successful in improving student…

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy has developed a nontraditional doctor of pharmacy degree that requires students to meet the same terminal-performance objectives as the standard four-year PharmD degree. The program's design and evaluation are discussed, and suggestions are offered for improving the program to meet terminal-performance…

Describes an academic-enrichment program that targets underrepresented secondary students and strives to increase their competence in science and technology, potential for leadership, allegiance to local communities, and interest in post-secondary careers in the health sciences. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Examines two myths or misperceptions associated with premedical education, that of the "premedical syndrome" (over-achieving, competitive, cynical, and narrowly focused students), and the "cutthroat medical student" (competitive to the point of undermining others). The origins of the myths, the purposes they may serve, why they…

Describes the development and implementation of real-world simulations in the classroom by Southwest Virginia Community College instructors in a Mathematics for Allied Health course. States that real-world simulations provide an avenue for active, contextual learning in what was a traditional classroom. Contains 11 references. (VWC)

Because there are no universal standards for educational technology, curricular materials in medical education cannot be easily managed, reused, or shared with other educators and institutions. A standardized, object-oriented architecture is needed to facilitate these processes. The Instructional Management Systems specification, which has emerged…

Describes a technique designed to assess workforce availability and workload demands on family-medicine faculty at East Carolina University (North Carolina), using weeks per year as the unit of measurement. During the assessment period, a study revealed the department needed 2.8 additional faculty to cover existing work requirements and…

Suggests that formal classroom debate presents an opportunity for dental students to develop important learning/thinking skills and can be incorporated into coursework along with other active learning strategies. Discusses debate organization, presents rules of debate used in second-year dental school classes at the State University of New York,…

A study investigated whether a third-year medical clerkship evaluation system validly predicted students' later performance ratings during internships. Internship ratings of students needing remediation from 1986 to 1993 were compared with those of students voluntarily choosing fourth-year medicine. Results indicate the medicine clerkship…

A study assessed the effect of training stage, gender, and specialty interest on 493 Northwestern University (Illinois) medical students' breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and clinical breast examination skills. Results suggest knowledge and attitudes are not related to clinical breast examination proficiency, which is a practiced tactile skill.…

Gives an overview of the decisions, activities, events, and issues that influenced the process of change at eight medical schools participating in a large-scale medical curriculum development project. Focus is on three stages of the change process: planning and creating the climate for change, making the change, and reinforcing the new model.…

Discusses the role of organizational communication in the process of curricular reform at eight medical schools participating in a large-scale medical curriculum development project, particularly during four stages of change: recognizing the need for change; planning; implementation; institutionalization. Communication strategies for promoting a…

An address to dental school deans looks at anticipated changes in the health care system, the public sector's changing role in health care, and draws implications for dentistry. It is suggested that academic health centers, and especially dental schools, will be particularly affected by these trends. (MSE)

U.S. Schweitzer Fellows Programs support over 100 health professions students annually in six locations. Fellows participate in activities designed to strengthen the ideals that attracted them to health care. Program alumni report that their experiences integrate their own ideals into professional and career development. Such programs may…