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 problems and issues related to setting up an office-based program for family medicine residents are described. The role of the family preceptor and his/her need to make alterations to his/her practice to accommodate the resident, and evaluations of a recent program by both residents and preceptors are discussed. (Author/MLW)