An educational experience evaluated: the Christchurch Clinical School of Medicine

This study explored the response of recent graduates to their clinical training at the University of Otago, Christchurch Clinical School of Medicine. Graduates rated their competence at dealing with a number of clinical problems and the adequacy of teaching received in relation to their anticipated requirements as medical practitioners. They also recorded information concerning their personal response to training--role identity, stress and anxiety felt during the course, and their commitment to ongoing education and research following training. Overall the course was regarded positively. In the light of anticipated requirements as medical practitioners some curricular gaps were perceived and criticisms of the course identified. Graduates were critical of their teachers' abilities in demonstrating interviewing and interpersonal skills. Over 70% of graduates felt that they had little or no role during much of their undergraduate clinical training. Many graduates felt that they had little opportunity to carry out research during training, nor the motivation to undertake research subsequently, but they were committed to continuing education.