[Value of a good example: a search for role models in practical clinical teaching]

The importance of the role model function of the 'teacher' (m/f) was always realized to some extent in practical clinical teaching, but appears to be gaining renewed interest at present. There exists, however, a discrepancy between the importance attached by many experienced clinicians and their students to the role model on the one hand, and the amount of systematical study that has been dedicated to it on the other hand. The available date show an impressionistic image of the qualities these students and interns consider important in role models. However, the 'why' of the importance of role models is seldom considered. In an era in which it is considered important that 'learning targets', 'learning moments' and 'transfer mechanisms' are defined in detail, the function of role models in practical clinical teaching should also be given more attention. Insights from other fields of knowledge than the medical field might be of value in designing research leading to a clearer image of the function and the value of role models in practical clinical education.