Reveals a shortage of African American faculty in political science departments in the southern states. This is of concern because over half of the country's African Americans live in that region. Suggested responses include expanding the number of African American graduates, increase recruiting efforts, and using flexible job descriptions. (MJP)

In two Oakland (California) high schools, one urban and one suburban, an audiovisual presentation designed to enhance student interest in optometry as a career was given. Results of the presentation, measured by a questionnaire, suggest that few high school students are considering pursuing an optometry doctoral degree, but an on-site presentation…

Looks at the phenomenon of teachers' status in light of frequent claims that it has declined sharply. Finds that although a loss of prestige has occurred in comparison with other professions, the status issue is not as clear as is sometimes implied. Discusses confounding indicators and the contemporary image of teachers. (DSK)

Common complaints about physicians are that they don't care enough about patients, don't know enough to practice the best medicine, and don't do enough to maintain the public's trust. The best way for graduate medical education (GME) to address these complaints is to improve the educational content of residency programs. (MSE)

A study investigated the clinical preparedness of 144 Stanford University (California) medical school graduates in 11 areas, comparing it with peers from graded medical schools and rating the accuracy of the dean's letter in representing graduates' capabilities. Results indicate that graduates from Stanford's two-interval, pass/fail system…

Discusses dental schools' role in meeting oral-health needs of populations that lack access to care, and describes a Columbia University (New York) program providing dental-health services in Central Harlem. The program provides screening and prevention for school children, improves access to care for the entire population, and creates…

A study investigated the effect of an extramural rotation on dental-hygiene students' self-perceptions of competence in specific clinical areas. Results indicate student perceptions of competence improved significantly on six of 19 dimensions of dental-hygiene practice over the course of the rotation, suggesting that rotation is a valuable…

Provides background for developing policies to help protect medical students and residents taking overseas electives from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A key element is communication among the student, advisor, and overseas faculty. Issues discussed include availability of appropriate equipment and medication, sexual contact, emergency…

Discusses the need for colleges to develop strategies for integrating information technology and allocating appropriate funds, and describes a study at Temple University that investigated student and faculty computer literacy and experience in the College of Allied Health Professions. Results of questionnaires were also used to identify faculty…

Describes an Internet-based, interactive, learner-centered, asynchronous instructional module for pharmacokinetics that requires minimal computer knowledge to operate. Main components are concept presentation, a simulation exercise, and self-assessment questions. The module has been found effective in teaching the steady state concept at the…

A comprehensive medical school faculty-development program should include four elements (professional socialization, particularly for new faculty; instructional development skill-building; leadership development; and organizational development) to empower faculty to excel as educators and to create vibrant academic communities that value teaching…

Discusses one approach to achieving compassionate medical caregiving, the study of spirituality and medicine. Examines the relationship between spirituality and healing and describes studies indicating that patients want to have spiritual issues addressed by their physicians, and noting potential health benefits of spiritual beliefs. Outlines…

A new teacher in a self-contained classroom for six kindergarten students with autism describes the challenges of beginning a new program in her school, planning instruction with the new state instructional standards in mind, being scrutinized by parents, and coordinating documentation of progress and development of Individualized Education…

Argues that the conscious originating motives for both market-oriented and uniform standards approaches to improving the quality of teacher education may not guarantee the effects of such policies in the real world of real schools, noting that such reforms may have dangerous consequences unless efforts are situated within an honest analysis of…

A study at the University of Texas, San Antonio's dental school resulted in development of a system of caries risk assessment, applied to all undergraduate clinic patients. The rationale, structure, elements, and application of the system are outlined, and course content supporting the system is noted. Need for validation and other improvements is…