Options outlined for improving health care to rural areas include selective recruitment into medical and other health occupations education, early professional socialization, curriculum reform, and the kinds of technical assistance that academic centers can provide to rural practitioners and caregiver institutions. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of leadership reviews literature concerning its dimensions and importance and presents one individual's perspective of leadership in pharmaceutical education. It looks at the qualities of effective leadership, special requirements of an institutional leader, and methods of leadership development. Three leadership case studies at…

The American Optometric Association's current review of procedures for accrediting optometric residencies is discussed. Reasons for the review (projected growth of programs and revised standards) are discussed, procedures currently in place for accrediting programs in osteopathy, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, and optometry are summarized; and…

The Argus Commission, asked to examine the interface between academic pharmacy and education programs in dentistry, optometry, and podiatry, envisioned a primary health care team and considered mechanisms for encouraging development of such teams and reducing competition. Its conclusions and recommendations are summarized here. (MSE)

Discusses how the New England College of Optometry has expanded clinical education so graduates are equipped to handle new and advanced clinical and patient-care responsibilities and meet the changing standards of professional entry-level competency. The reform process, third- and fourth-year curriculum components, rotations, and plans for…

To restore the humanism in medical care, medical education must espouse the creation of physician-healers. Personal development and well-being of the healer are neglected factors in healing care. Goals and objectives for medical education for promoting trainees' self-awareness, personal growth, and well-being are outlined, and ways to achieve and…

A survey of 575 family-medicine patients in academic and community settings found most willing to have a medical student involved in their health care. One-third reported that students did at least part of the physical examination. Many patients said they would appreciate a medical student's attention. Almost half perceived that student…

A survey of 22 dental-hygiene-program directors found that programs routinely and effectively assess student outcomes and use the information for program improvements and to demonstrate accountability. Both policy and faculty/administrative support were deemed important to implementation. Time constraints were a major barrier. Outcomes-assessment…

A survey of 298 family-practice residency program directors found an increase in the amount of residency curricular time devoted to training on domestic violence. On average, programs provide four to five hours of training a year, mostly through didactic lectures. (Author/MSE)

Describes development and design of the Comprehensive Clinical Performance Grid for Student Evaluation, created to address concerns about what constitutes a competent practitioner and to provide a useful and consistent student-evaluation tool for clinical optometric education. Development challenges are also discussed, including staff training and…

Six principles of effective outcomes assessment in medical education are presented, discussed, and illustrated in assessing a preclinical course integrating basic science, social science, and clinical skills. It is argued that courses and programs for medical students and residents should use course-based assessment to ensure that medical trainees…

Responding to a report on the Clinical Research Training Program of the National Institutes of Health, the author finds that the low applicant rate among dental students is due less to lack of interest in the program or its emphasis on research but more to a program structure modeled on a medical school rather than a dental school curriculum. (MSE)

Presents results of a work group convened by the American Association of Dental Schools to examine experiences related to postdoctoral general dentistry (PGD) programs linked with managed care systems and clinical settings. The group identified factors and conditions believed to be critical to the planning, development, and conduct of PGD programs…

The outcomes assessment process developed by the New Jersey Dental School is described and discussed, including required resources, selected outcome measures, strengths and weaknesses, and the evolution of ongoing assessment activities. Documentation produced as part of the process is also described so that other health professions schools may…

Gateway to Higher Education program provides selected minority students from New York City public high schools with rigorous preparation for college and careers in medicine, science, engineering, technology. The program is described and students' graduation rates, career plans, other program outcomes are discussed. A correlation has been…