Preceptors for an introduction to clinical medicine course: needs of volunteer and full-time faculty

Recruiting clinicians to teach bedside skills is often a challenge for Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) course co-ordinations. Little data is available concerning what motivates a faculty to participate in these programmes. Better understanding of these factors might allow enhanced faculty involvement. We surveyed full-time and volunteer faculty as to what forces promote and hinder participation as preceptors for an ICM course. Results documented that both faculty groups found student interactions and teacher fulfillment their major reward, with little perceived academic or patient recognition. Personal time limitations was the greatest deterrent to participation. Assessing faculty needs has allowed focused course changes and new activities to facilitate involvement.