Community-based Practitioners as Medical Student Preceptors-Dispelling an Old Myth

This study was designed to compare the teaching abilities of community-based preceptors and university-based clinical faculty, as judged by two matched groups of students. On only one of 13 dimensions of clinical teaching was there a significant difference between the preceptors and university-based faculty: preceptors were reported to use demonstrations less than their university-based colleagues. The study shows that despite their other commitments and lack of formal training in didactic skills, community-based practitioners can provide sound educational experiences and, in the students' opinions, are as competent teachers as clinical, university-based faculty.