Teaching alcoholism to family medicine students

Alcoholism is a major health problem in the United States, yet it has not received high priority in medical education. Although it affects many patients who attend the offices of family physicians, it frequently remains unrecognized. It is therefore an appropriate topic for a family medicine course and has been integrated into a third year clerkship at the University of Washington. Students are taught basic diagnostic and management skills by sensitizing them to the magnitude of the problem and addressing some professional attitudinal blocks. history taking skills emphasizing early recognition and intervention are stressed, and the role of community resources in treatment is demonstrated through discussion and site visits.