Group experience as a means of training medical students

All medical students in a six-week psychiatric clerkship met once a week in "experiential groups." One week after the last group session a concluding and evaluative discussion was held. A detailed description of the students' responses and reactions is given. The results indicate that for the majority of the students, the experiential group was the most significant personal and learning experience they had during the clerkship. It effected better interpersonal communication among the students and improved their humane skill, empathy, and sensitivity.