A study is reported that investigates the validity of written simulations designed to evaluate the problem-solving behavior of pharmacy students studying therapeutics. Results with the written simulations are correlated with test scores from the course's objective examinations and with clinical clerkship evaluations. (JMD)

Techniques that practicing pharmacists can use to facilitate student learning in a clinical-preceptorship setting are specified. In addition, signals or clues in the situation that indicate the appropriate mode of teaching are identified and a blueprint for self-instruction in these techniques is provided. (JMD)

A plan for combining the teaching of research and practice in the direct practice sequence at the MSW level is outlined. It is suggested that this strategy would relieve research faculties in schools of social work for participation in research activity and for teaching at the doctoral level. (Author/MLW)

A laboratory course designed to provide simulated practice experience for pharmacy students at Drake University College of Pharmacy was redesigned by restructuring laboratory schedules to provide more time, by establishing competencies to be attained, and by self-pacing. Student evaluations of the changes were highly supportive. (MSE)

At the Rockford School of Medicine, clinical teachers of primary care medicine have developed a curriculum and goals to guide learning and to be used as a reference point for self-assessment and group assessment of teaching. In addition, other desirable teacher behaviors and concerns have been identified to be discussed at group meetings. (JMD)

A biopsychosocial model used in an attempt to integrate physical, psychological, and social data into a matrix that facilitates clinical problem solving is described. The purpose of the training was to expand the resident's understanding of the emotional aspects of patients' problems and his/her own difficulties in using such understanding. (MLW)

The required first-year clerkship in family and community medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School is discussed. The goals and objectives and the teaching methods used to implement the program are described. It is suggested that community medicine clerkships belong in the first year of the curriculum. (Author/MLW)

The dying and death component of the psychiatry clerkship at Dartmouth Medical School is described. The educational objectives and instructional methods were developed to enhance the student's understanding of what terminal patients experience in psychosocial needs and to explore his role and skill in caring for patients in terminal situations.…

Despite a lack of agreement on its validity as a predictor of performance during residency, the dean's letter of recommendation has become an important factor in each medical student's application to postgraduate training programs. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the content of dean's letters was conducted. (MLW)

A study designed to collect data on the daily activities of trainees on a medical ward and to test the diary method of obtaining data is described. The data were compared with findings from a faculty survey to establish whether the training program conformed to desired standards. (Author/MLW)

Graduate education in the pharmaceutical sciences is examined. It is suggested that greater flexibility and quality of masters and PhD programs in pharmacy could increase enrollment levels in the graduate pharmaceutical studies. (SF)

Issues concerning graduate programs in the pharmaceutical sciences are discussed, including: recent trends, recruitment, clinical instruction, doctoral programs, graduate faculty, master's programs, competition, supply and demand, and professional education of professionals. (SF)

A survey of U.S. medical schools was conducted to determine the content and format of occupational health teaching during the 1977-78 academic year. In only 50 percent of the responding institutions was occupational health specifically taught, and it was required by only 30 percent. Thirty-eight percent offered a variety of courses or clerkships.…

Medical student instructional costs were determined for a required third-year primary care clerkship based in an ambulatory care setting. Included in the analysis were labor costs of faculty and other personnel, space, materials, and university overhead. Implications of the high costs generated by such clerkships are discussed. (Author/JMD)

The inpatient (ward/intensive care unit) performance of primary care medical residents was compared with that of their peers in the standard internal medicine residency program. Nearly identical performances of the two groups suggests that substantial time in the first two years of residency can be devoted successfully to ambulatory training.…