A study of 171 graduates of medical informatics training programs found that the status of the institution (public or private), trainee's entry degree, and productivity of program faculty were enough to correctly classify most of the students who chose academic vs. nonacademic careers in the field. (Author/MSE)

In response to New York State legislation limiting house staff working hours, a survey of obstetrics and gynecology resident programs (n=26) was conducted. Results were used to construct a prototype call schedule and a hypothetical monthly schedule indicating how a single resident would function without violating any state regulations. (MSE)

A national survey of representatives of medical college family practice units concerning their perceptions of the unit's and the institution's values on research, teaching, patient care, and administrative duties found consistent disparity between the units' and institutions' value structures, but also a trend toward faculty promotion and tenure…

At quarterly intervals in 1986-87, attribution of control and subjective symptom ratings were assessed among general psychiatry residents in the University of Cincinnati's training program. Differences were significant for ratings of internal locus of control, but the external locus of control ratings showed no corresponding fluctuation.…

The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science surveyed its students (n=44) and those of the University of California at Los Angeles medical school (n=402) to determine whether its initial classes are pursuing primary care careers consistent with the institution's mission. Results suggest student characteristics are at least as influential…

A survey of 149 entering first-year medical residents concerning experiences with and knowledge of infection control investigated occurrence and patterns of accidental needle-sticking and reporting, student immunization for Hepatitis B, and instruction in universal precautions. It is concluded that students are at risk for needle-sticking, but…

Among 4,931 young physicians, those most likely to question career choice had higher proportions of white women, African Americans, and Hispanics. These had lower incomes, higher educational debt, more hours and patient visits, and were more likely to report inappropriate use of tests and procedures and lack of autonomy. Implications are…

A national survey of 82 medical schools concerning curriculum and instruction on homosexuality found mean instruction time of 3 hours 26 minutes, with significant geographic variation. The most common strategy was lectures in human sexuality, followed distantly by panel presentations and interaction with gays and lesbians. Integration of the topic…

A survey of 248 University of Kentucky medical school faculty investigated attitudes toward American Medical Association policy concerning gifts from the pharmaceutical industry. Faculty generally agreed with the guidelines but felt gifts did not influence prescribing behaviors. PhD faculty favored more prescriptive policy than did MD faculty.…

A study investigated the ability of 415 medical students at four North Carolina medical schools to ask risk-behavior questions and provide risk-reduction advice when interviewing a standardized patient concerned about human immunovirus (HIV) infection. A majority did not assess several important risk factors, and many would have provided incorrect…

A study involving over 480 interviews in five diverse communities (Atlanta, Georgia; Duluth, Minnesota; Providence, Rhode Island; Riverside, California; Roswell, New Mexico) identified barriers facing physicians and other health care providers in identifying, treating, and referring victims of family violence, and illuminated the relationships of…

A survey of Canadian and United States medical schools (n=98) on the uses and value of autopsy revealed that uses extend far beyond traditional ones to legal/judicial proceedings, vital statistics, epidemiological investigations, and public health and aid in understanding such complex matters as medical fallibility, medical uncertainty, and grief.…

A symposium was designed in 1987 to demonstrate to health-care providers at 3 hospitals in the Bronx, New York, the low risk of occupational HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and techniques for avoiding infection. Twenty-nine of 100 responders reported that the symposium had increased their concerns regarding their risk. (Author/MLW)

A 1992 survey of 6 clinical departments in 126 medical schools investigated the status of substance abuse education and number of faculty teaching it. Results were compared with baseline data from two previous surveys and additional studies. Findings indicate positive changes but not comparable to education for other prevalent clinical problems.…

Data from a 1989 survey of 125 medical college faculty practice plans reveal information on organizational models, growth of managed care, increased competition, greater medical school reliance on clinical practice income, use and growth of satellite and ambulatory care facilities, and a variety of financing options. (Author/MSE)