Results of a survey of U.S. and Canadian optometry programs concerning curriculum design, clinical and residency training programs, continuing education, and research projects planned or under way in geriatric optometry are presented and discussed. (MSE)

Techniques that practicing pharmacists can use to facilitate student learning in a clinical-preceptorship setting are specified. In addition, signals or clues in the situation that indicate the appropriate mode of teaching are identified and a blueprint for self-instruction in these techniques is provided. (JMD)

This paper argues that medical ethics education relies too much on strategies that target ethical thinking and should focus more on students as ethical actors in specific clinical contexts, responding to ethical dilemmas. Traditional approaches may not offer the skills students need to learn norms of ethical behavior. Strategies for encouraging…

A study followed 66 medical students from matriculation through clerkship to determine the use of an anxiety measure, undergraduate grades, and Medical College Admission Test scores in predicting clerkship performance. Results showed disparities in prediction but suggest that the way students are evaluated in clerkships determined which factors…

Reports on a content analysis of 18 manuals designed for college-level teaching assistants. Finds that frequently included topics focused on intellectual and interpersonal tasks. Suggests that the study's results could serve as a model for teaching assistant materials. (CFR)

Describes a tool for use by clinical medical preceptors for making brief (5 to 10 minute) focused observations of students and record them in specific, nonjudgmental language, even if feedback does not occur immediately. The teaching-observations sheets can be reduced to three-by-five-inch or other convenient format, are flexible, and help the…

This project for large-group, problem-based learning at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine developed 47 case-based videotapes that are used to model clinical conditions and also involved veterinary practitioners to formulate true practice cases into student learning opportunities. Problem-oriented, computer-assisted diagnostic…

A variety of teaching methods for interpersonal skills training are suggested and explained, including role playing, simulated interviews, stimulus vignettes, videotaping, and clinic experience discussions. Other suggestions for implementation of these methods address sequence, grading, and faculty development. (MSE)

A combination of factors has resulted in placement of medical students in hospitals not accustomed to their presence, causing some confusion in these hospitals regarding the proper role of these students. A statement of student privileges and responsibilities, developed by the Southwestern Michigan Area Health Education Center to deal with this…

Describes a number of teaching strategies to prepare nursing students to care for their hospitalized patients with alcohol-related problems but not in an alcoholism treatment unit, using a supportive-educational framework for the nurse-alcoholic patient relationship. A group of recovering alcoholics identified positive nursing actions as helpful.…

Undergraduate pharmacy education at the University of New Mexico includes a fifth-year optional curriculum in radiopharmacy. The clinical radiopharmacy course, offered as part of this option, is described. Course objectives, course topics, a sample assignment sheet, and samples of report feedback are appended. (JMD)

Four factors of clinical decision making identified by medical students include quality of care, cost, ethics, and legal concerns. This paper argues that physicians have two responsibilities in the clinical decision-making model: to be the primary advocate for quality health care and to ensure balance among the four factors, working in partnership…

Recommends application of social learning theory to medical education in ambulatory care settings, including preceptor attention to orienting and creating legitimate and appropriate roles for learners; provision of competent role models; careful organization of the experience to include modeling, discussion, and both guided and independent…

The University of British Columbia (Canada) dental school has implemented a clinical experience program in which children in grades 2-4 are bused to the university for dental treatment. The program has helped maintain undergraduate pediatric dental experiences, benefited the children's dental health, and cost parents less than traditional dental…

A training program for faculty supervising pharmacy clinical experience courses included four workshops in setting expectations, motivating learners, providing practice, and evaluating performance and giving feedback. Ten of 35 teaching behaviors changed significantly as a result. Likelihood of change in specific teacher behaviors was assessed.…