The docent system: an alternate approach to medical education

There are many applications of the docent system for schools in which students are older and engaging in more conventional educational approaches. There are advantages in bringing students from different classes together over a prolonged period of time, starting with their entrance into the program. Advisors in docent roles can contribute much to such groups. Pairing of more-advanced with less-advanced students, at least informally, may offer some of the advantages described by students at UMKC in their partnerships. Women students may find it much easier to establish helpful relationships with male and female peers and teachers in organized group settings. Faculty may come to experience the advantages for themselves of close personal interaction with students. Better relationships between male and female faculty members can lead to more successful recruitment of excellent female faculty members, which is important with the increased number of women medical students. The concept offers a personalized approach to undergraduate medical education that is worthy of continued study and evaluation.