In a documentation system designed to monitor medical student progress in clerkships at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, students completed an optical scan card for each patient seen, eliciting information on the patient and the experience. Results highlight students' lack of certain experiences and allow comparison of student…

Precepts from Machiavelli's "The Prince" are used in giving advice to chief residents on how to balance their responsibilities in working for the welfare of both the housestaff and the institution. Subject discussions include the difficulties of introducing change, setting good examples, and supervising former colleagues and peers. (GLR)

A study examined the relationship between (1) internal medicine patients' total charges and lengths of stay and (2) the degree of autonomy that attending physicians (n=65) permitted their residents (n=40). Results suggest that internal medicine residents have an inherently conservative practice style valuing low-intensity workups and rapid patient…

A review of 136 malpractice cases involving residents and resident programs 1950-83 found a substantial increase in cases after 1975. Most concerned vicarious liability, applicable standard of care, and resident supervision. Residents were on the side of the prevailing party in 44 percent of cases. (Author/MSE)

A computer simulation was developed to estimate the number of medical residents one or two faculty teachers could supervise in a university-based primary medical care teaching clinic. With no non-teaching tasks, it was shown that two teachers could supervise 11 residents, while one teacher was able to supervise only three residents under similar…

A Medical University of South Carolina study assessed the appropriateness of care provided by medical residents by comparing written protocols with student compliance. Results show moonlighting residents were considerably less consistent than staff physicians in compliance. Intervention improved resident performance. (MSE)

A study of the workload of nine medical interns and seven residents in a neonatal intensive care nursery investigated the number of X-rays, arterial blood gas analyses (ABGs), and electrolyte determinations ordered for 321 infants over 5 months. Results show that as the workload increased, interns ordered ABGs more often than residents, especially…

A study of 203 community health center preceptors who attended workshops on educational planning, teaching styles, evaluation, and feedback found that participants showed significant increases in use of five of seven teaching concepts while analyzing a role-play interaction; increased familiarity with, and retained for three months, nine of 11…

Case law concerning standards of care provided by health care practitioners in training is examined. Currently, medical students and residents are being held to the same standard of conduct as practicing professionals, and supervising faculty have a parallel duty to provide supervision to meet both that standard and legal requirements.…