An evaluation program for fourth-year electives at Wright State University School of Medicine is described. Although individual electives were assessed, the evaluation program allows generalizations across electives by identifying strengths and weaknesses commonly found in the electives that were evaluated. (MLW)

Steering Committee's report on its study of the total process of physician education. (Editor)

A comprehensive course on cancer prevention developed for the University of Maryland School of Medicine under a contract with the National Cancer Institute is described. This innovative, multidisciplinary, modular curriculum package was tested as a four-week elective, revised, and field tested again. (Author/MLW)

A 3-month elective in medical education was undertaken by a first-year resident to obtain a background to prepare for a potential career in academic medicine and medical student teaching. Benefits to the resident of the elective are outlined, and guidelines for similar experiences are suggested. (Editor/PG)

The Clinical Oncology Assistantship Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is described, along with student reactions to the program. The summer elective program involves cancer lectures (one week) and clinical exposure (nine weeks) in medical, surgical, and pediatric oncology services, as well as self-directed learning…

The fourth-year courses selected by the classes of 1982 and 1986 in the Brown University Program in Medicine were compared. The data support the contention that medical students' perception that residency positions were more difficult to obtain led to changes in selecting courses in the fourth year of medical school. (Author/MLW)

A voluntary senior year elective program that provides flexibility in medical curriculum, indentifies weak teaching areas, allows more effective student-faculty communication, and influences career choice. (Editor/IR)

The role of the medical resident as a teacher of medical students is discussed. Most residents have had little, if any, training or experience in teaching. A Southern Illinois University School of Medicine course called "Preparation for the Teaching Role in Residency" is described and evaluated. (MLW)

Results of McGill University's program to encourage early specialization in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and family medicine showed that: students chose the medicine specialty with increasing frequency; poor performance on licensing examinations may have resulted; the process did not lead to an early career choice; and students did not use…

An elective course focusing on exercise physiology and cardiovascular fitness offered at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine consists of weekly lectures and student self-designed fitness programs. Student participation correlates with significantly increased levels of student maximum oxygen consumption, a moderate training effect.…

An elective workshop offered to Wright State University medical students focuses on intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, collegial, educational, organizational, community, and existential aspects of communication and combines cognitive skills and training approaches to developing effective communication skills. (MSE)