The University of Limburg family practice preceptorship programme

A six-year experience with a required preceptorship programme for fifth-year students in the Netherlands is described. After one week of introduction students spend 11 weeks with a family physician. Students prepare records of their independent contact with a patient, which are discussed with their preceptors and their faculty tutor. Analysis of the records revealed that students see a fair sample of problems presented in primary care. The programme is well accepted by students and preceptors. The importance of good relations between the school and the preceptors is stressed.