Twenty-five articles on medical school curricula and physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutritional care, especially concerning heart disease and cholesterol control, were reviewed. It is concluded that nutrition education should occur in undergraduate clinical training and residency periods and that realistic nutrition…

The design, curricula, and financing of four existing medical schools' rural training track programs (University of Washington, University of Nebraska, State University of New York/Buffalo, University of Kentucky) are described. The programs are seen as having potential to decrease the shortage of physicians choosing careers in rural areas.…

A survey of 154 graduates of a University of Arizona medical school curriculum in international health found (1) a high proportion of women graduates; (2) higher than expected numbers of graduates entering family practice and pediatrics; (3) completion of a field experience in a developing nation by 73 percent; and (4) participant satisfaction…

Two tables and a textual analysis present (1) numbers and percentages of all 1990 U.S. medical school graduates, who obtained residencies through or outside the National Residency Matching Program and who did not obtain residencies, by ethnic background and gender; and (2) numbers and percentages of graduates by graduates' present activity…

Outcomes data from seven medical schools with successful special programs to increase the rural physician work force identify three core features: a strong institutional mission, targeted selection of students likely to practice in rural areas, and a focus on primary care, especially family practice. Rural residency programs should collaborate…

Preparation for rural medical practice is adequate in the areas of clinical knowledge and procedural skills, but to increase the retention of rural physicians, more curricular emphasis is needed in the areas of sensitivity to rural social issues, counseling, networking, and fostering self-confidence to function effectively in an environment with…

A survey of 794 program directors in 14 specialties assessed actual and projected changes in the selection process for medical residents and determined the relative weights the directors assigned to personal and academic criteria. Results indicate significant changes in the selection process, including a continuing decrease in residency positions…

To assess the effectiveness of a curriculum in telephone medicine taught to residents in two medical schools, objective structured clinical examinations were conducted before and after the curriculum was taught. Post-curriculum scores improved significantly, and gains were maintained six months. Residents felt significantly better able to manage…

With American children on course to grow into the most obese generation of adults in history, Sonia Caprio argues that it is critical to develop more effective strategies for preventing childhood obesity and treating serious obesity-related health complications. She notes that although pediatricians are concerned about the obesity problem, most…

Objective: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has introduced new work-hour guidelines for residents in ACGME accredited programs that were implemented in July 2003. The new ACGME policies impact several practices in various psychiatry residency programs across the U.S., even though psychiatry has not been at the forefront…

Objective: The authors describe a course of instruction for psychiatry residents that attempts to provide the cognitive and informational tools necessary to make scientifically grounded decision making a routine part of clinical practice. Methods: In weekly meetings over two academic years, the course covers the psychopharmacology of various…

This report examines the implications of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) epidemic for general professional education in medicine with a focus on the period of medical student education and the early years of residency training. Five sections are as follows: impact of the HIV epidemic on medical practice; issues for general professional…

Health professions education is a costly and complex aspect of higher education, and its components and functions are different from those of the rest of higher education. This report offers information on the various functions, costs, and funding sources of academic health centers. Because it is difficult for state health policy leaders to…

An evaluation system which was used to monitor the progress of resident physicians in the Family Practice Residency at the University of North Carolina is discussed. The system was designed as an information management system which reflects both broad philosophical principles and goals as well as specific behavioral objectives. The three major…

The proceedings categorize 55 papers on research in medical education in 12 sections: standards and standard setting (including equivalence-testing methods, standardized examinations, and foreign exams); predicting career outcomes (career choice and satisfaction); teaching clinical skills (student-patient relations and interview skills); teaching…