A small-group approach to teaching family medicine

The authors describe a method for teaching preclinical medical students some important family medicine concepts utilizing a seminar format which allows for improved student-teacher interaction and individualization of material. These seminars, on family health behavior, compliance, behavioral interventions for life-style change, and managing stress, were designed to encourage freshman medical students to understand and apply concepts concerning health behavior and attitudes, both personally and professionally. The format of these sessions included the use of self-assessment instruments, discussion, role play, and case studies. Results of student evaluations indicate they perceived the seminars positively. Specific areas of positive value included the content and small-group related processes. The seminars also provided data useful for developing programs for students.