A survey of all 16 Canadian medical schools found that 15 provided some ethics education. Time allocated ranged from 10-45 hours per degree, with no discernible pattern of distribution across years. Most teaching was case based and issue oriented, most instructors were physicians, and most schools used a pass-fail standard. (Author/MSE)

A survey of Rush Medical College (Illinois) alumni included questions concerning indebtedness and its perceived effect on professional and personal lives. Results show little effect on practice setting and family plans, but substantial reported impact on lifestyle. Specialization and debt change over time were also factors. (MSE)

A survey of 456 rural physicians identified features of their training that correlated with their self-reported preparedness for rural practice and small-town living, and with how long they stayed in their rural practices. Results suggest residency rotations in rural areas are the best educational experiences to prepare physicians for rural…

A study investigated the effectiveness of the Stanford Faculty Development program of nine small-group seminars for eight pathology faculty. The seminars were designed to provide teachers with a framework for analyzing teaching and identifying areas for improvement and to provide training in specific teaching skills. Results suggest significant…

A survey of 83 primary care physicians found less than half felt family violence was a significant problem in their patient populations. Almost all saw a need for education about violence during medical training, but many would not participate. One-quarter were trained to diagnose domestic violence. Family and female physicians were more…

A survey of 253 final-year students at the four Saudi medical schools found the most frequently-chosen specialties were internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. Over one-fourth were unsure of career choice. Gender differences were found. Most common locations for postgraduate training were Saudi Arabia and Canada, and a…

A survey of 330 internal medicine residency directors found two-thirds of programs had ongoing academic affiliations. Support for the arrangements was stronger in university programs than in community or other hospitals, where such affiliations were considered less equitable and mutually trusting. Experience with consortia mitigated objections to…

A study using accreditation data, institutional self-studies, and accreditation site visit reports on 59 medical schools explored the extent to which the schools have established institutional and departmental educational objectives. Objectives were classified as "robust" when expressed as measurable learning outcomes, and were assessed separately…

A survey of 236 medical residency program directors concerning the extent of training in emergency psychiatric intervention (EPI) provided found that, although certain specialties provided the most EPI training, in general it was very limited. More training, and the content of that training, are recommended. (Author/MSE)

A national survey of medical schools (n=120) investigated the extent and design of organized training for students preparing for overseas rotations. Only 22 percent offered formal training in international health care, but many had other options, most interdisciplinary. Overall, the training provided was found to be inadequate. (MSE)

Medical trainees and recent graduates of 3 Quebec medical schools were surveyed as to how they valued 16 dimensions of medical competence classified in 4 broad categories: clinical, technological, humanistic, and social and preventive. Medical trainees gave more importance to basic diagnostic and therapeutic skills. (Author/MLW)

Results of an annual survey include the numbers and percentages of all medical school graduates obtaining or not obtaining residencies, by gender and ethnic/racial background and their current activities, by residency specialty or other activity (including research, non-medical activity, and year off). (MSE)

Many medical schools have developed written expectations for their students that contain both cognitive and noncognitive academic criteria. Criteria included: honesty, professional behavior, dedication to learning, appearance, respect for law, respect for others, confidentiality, aid to others, substance abuse, and financial responsibility.…

A survey of 222 obstetrics patients assisted by medical clerkship students from the University of Vermont and 78 who refused student participation found privacy the primary motivation for refusal and a desire to contribute to students' education a primary reason for accepting student participation. Patients frequently erroneously anticipated the…

Drawing from survey data (n=138 medical schools in the United States and Canada), a study analyzed medical schools' systems for evaluating student progress in clinical experiences. The 4-stage model used by most schools, common and unique characteristics, and 17 symptoms of system errors, signaling a need for system review, are outlined.…