A study showed that 80 percent of medical schools were collecting outcome data, but there was a lack of coherence, integrated analysis, and longitudinal study. The purpose of examining outcomes is to gain sharper focus on the achievement of institutional goals, facilitate program improvement, and assure competence of graduates. (Author/MLW)

A remedial program was designed for Oregon Health Sciences University clerkship students demonstrating adequate clinical skills but inadequate knowledge. In two years, six students were enrolled in the tutorial program. The experience was highly successful for all but one. Participants saw it as one of their best medical school experiences.…

A study of a medical student clinical assessment program since 1986 at the University of Massachusetts indicates student awareness of increased faculty observation and increased feedback to students during and following clinical rotations. Results indicate a conscious faculty effort to improve students' clinical skills by improved observation and…

Drawing from survey data (n=138 medical schools in the United States and Canada), a study analyzed medical schools' systems for evaluating student progress in clinical experiences. The 4-stage model used by most schools, common and unique characteristics, and 17 symptoms of system errors, signaling a need for system review, are outlined.…

University of Virginia medical student evaluations of teachers at the end of clerkships are compiled into a detailed annual report containing constructive criticism and recommendations. Teaching faculty then respond by addressing the comments and initiating proposals for improvement. Experience with the system has been encouraging, and wider…

The 1989 California Medical School Matching Program pilot study illustrated that the technical aspects of a matching program for medical school applicants can be successful, paralleling the current admission process to a reasonable degree. The process is designed to solve the problem of multiple acceptance within an applicant pool. (Author/MSE)

A study assessed the effectiveness of medical resident training programs during 1983-88 by evaluating students' certification scores and comparing them to the program's evaluation of students' clinical competence. Results are reported and analyzed for top-rated, university-affiliated, and non-university-affiliated programs, focusing on trends over…

A popular required family medicine clerkship at Jefferson Medical College (Pennsylvania) suggests that ambulatory care can be taught as a core component of the clinical curriculum. Success requires strong institutional support, structured curriculum, adequate patients, dedicated faculty, sufficient training sites, an appropriate evaluation…

This paper reports on experiences and concerns of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania as a participating primary care site in a Medicaid managed care program (HealthPASS). Discussed are the modification of existing activities to meet increased care demands and administrative demands, and characteristics of HealthPASS that have impeded…

Analysis of patient logbooks kept by 75 medical students in a family medicine clerkship provided a great deal of information about the nature of students' experience, changes taking place as the year progressed, the degree to which program objectives were being met, and differences between sites. (MSE)

A Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) medical college substance abuse education program was evaluated by nine annual student surveys (n=892 students). Significant improvements were found in student attitudes, beliefs in role responsibility, and confidence in skills during preclinical years. Clinical programs emphasizing substance abuse increased…

Implementation of the University of Virginia Medical Center's computerized system for mandatory recordkeeping of physician orders is discussed, focusing on administrative issues: delays, costs, disruption of work routine and behavior, and the need to bring in a senior management team. Recommendations are made for institutions with similar…

Implementation of the University of Virginia Medical Center's computerized system for mandatory recordkeeping of physician orders is discussed, focusing on issues raised among residents and physicians: time required for system use; changes in work responsibilities, patterns, and priorities; and attitudes. Recommendations are made for institutions…

A family medicine faculty professional association designed a 5-day intensive curriculum in addiction medicine taught to 165 graduate family practice faculty at 10 sites in 1990. Pre- and postsurveys showed significant increases in participants teaching addiction medicine in 8 of 11 clinical situations. The model is seen as applicable to other…

A collaborative summer program by the University of Washington medical school, a professional association, and regional and state agencies provides students with an early introduction to community medicine in rural and urban underserved areas. Students (n=74) have been extremely satisfied. Suggestions are made for identifying potential program…