Problems of teaching and learning community medicine are discussed. Community medicine curricula must include experiential learning, with real patients and problems, in order to prove that health is affected by culture, politics, the environment, and individual behavior. (Author/LBH)

Romania's program is described in terms of: general information; medical studies and practical medical education; practical work in the first and second years; the third year; externships; and internships. (LBH)

During a three-month clinical clerkship in medicine 175 medical students were evaluated. A proficiency assessment process was developed that included preceptor evaluation of on-the-job performance as well as oral and written examinations. Data analysis showed small correlations among the three measurements of competence. (Author/LBH)

A year-long interdisciplinary continuity-of-care elective for second-year, preclinical students in a medically underserved inner-city neighborhood is described. Students were able to learn the skills needed to implement and evaluate long-term health care and to assess the cost effectiveness of various approaches to such care. (MLW)

The challenge of clinical teaching is to transform novice medical students into practicing physicians. Four issues are addressed: strengths of clinical education; major problems with clinical teaching; key roles faculty and residents perform; and strategies for improving clinical teaching. (MLW)

The development of the New England College of Optometry's fourth year into an entirely clinical program is described, including its new focus on increased patient load and mix, student social awareness and conscience, and varied practice mode and management options. (MSE)

A comparison of curricula for the two kinds of postdoctoral dental education programs examines clinical curriculum, program design, hospital-based and non-hospital-based programs, patient population, needs for such specialization, program length, and suggested changes and additions. (MSE)

Appropriate goals for a college of pharmacy are delineated and related to the goals of a medical center and other administrative units with which it interfaces. The methods through which faculty can contribute their distinctive talents to accomplish the mission of a college of pharmacy are described. (Author/MLW)

In order to evaluate the clinical competencies of graduate pharmacy students upon the completion of a medicine rotation, an oral examination has been developed that requires students to present data and defend decisions. Objectives, responsibilities, and competencies required by the rotation and nine sample exam questions are appended. (JMD)

Changes in biological sciences courses--both required and elective at various degree levels--are examined. Their impact on interdisciplinary instruction, administrative authority, student outcomes, and placement of graduates is analyzed. (MSE)

A three-year effort to develop a university health maintenance organization (HMO) into an effective clinical teaching site for the team practice of primary care is described. Initial resistance to team practice and teaching, assessment of HMO team development, and the effectiveness of the HMO as a primary care teaching site are discussed.…

The Small Animal Medicine program at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital is described. Instructional goals and the creation of two medicine rotations oriented to problems of different difficulty are outlined. Student evaluations that cover five categories are provided and conclusions from program experiences are drawn. (MLW)

A program to prepare future physicians to treat the milder emotional problems often encountered in primary care settings is described. Also reported are the ability of third-year medical students to function successfully in an outpatient setting, the performance of these trainees as compared with that of students in inpatient settings, and an…

A practice- and science-based program of graduate education and scholarship for pharmaceutical science is proposed. Recommendations include the elimination of weak graduate programs, increased industrial support, and development of the clinical scientist. (SF)

Patient-centered, clinical-research-demonstration programs for teams of students, preceptors, and faculty members from six disciplines who provided patient care in a long-term rehabilitation setting are described. Questions are raised concerning the effect of clinical teams on the quality of patient care, cost-effectiveness, etc. (Author/MLW)