[Familiarizing medical students with hospital social worker's role]

Patient care in a general hospital is usually provided by a multi-professional team. Treatment is most effective when each professional understands the functions of the various other members of the team. Professional literature and research have highlighted differences in perception by social workers and physicians of the proper function of the medical social worker. Our social work department has developed a teaching program for medical students to enhance their knowledge with regard to this issue. It is presented at a single-session group meeting of an hour and a half, with structured content and goals.