A discussion of medical ethics in the medical curriculum reviews its recent history, examines areas of consensus, and describes teaching objectives and methods, course content, and program evaluation at preclinical and clinical levels. Prerequisites for successful institutionalization of medical ethics education are defined, and its future is…

The first phase of the Association of American Medical Colleges' Medical School Objectives Project, to develop consensus on the attributes medical students should possess on graduation, is reported. Each of the four identified attributes is explained, and the associated learning objectives are stated. Attributes are the physician must be…

A survey of all 16 Canadian medical schools found that 15 provided some ethics education. Time allocated ranged from 10-45 hours per degree, with no discernible pattern of distribution across years. Most teaching was case based and issue oriented, most instructors were physicians, and most schools used a pass-fail standard. (Author/MSE)

Discusses three issues: selection and education of medical students in the context of liberal education; evolution of the medical school curriculum to a more learning-focused, ethics-based one; and the training of physicians who see medicine in a broad social context. Argues that the liberally-educated doctor is most likely to have such a…

By graduation, all medical students should be able to demonstrate appropriate attitudes, core knowledge, and basic skills in assessment and intervention with patients at risk from or experiencing violence. Postgraduate medical training should prepare physicians with specialized knowledge and skills, and faculty development for medical school…

Reports on strategies being developed by medical schools to carry out education in the ambulatory care setting, based on studies of 38 institutions. Highlights three main strategies: longitudinal preceptorships; multi-specialty clerkships; and community-oriented and population-based activities that provide relevant educational experiences for…

A study of curricular features of combined bachelor's-medical degree programs in 28 medical schools since 1961 is presented. Characteristics (length, enrollment, goals, special features) of the programs and changes in broad curricular objectives over the three decades are reported. Methods of integrating premedical and medical education are…