Communication as an essential part of program and institutional development

The Longitudinal Primary Care Program, an innovative curriculum in generalist medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, has been enhanced by a commitment to fostering good communication among all of its participants (who include more than 350 students and nearly 300 office-based generalist preceptors) and between participants and administrators. The diverse and widely scattered group of preceptors is brought together through orientation sessions and faculty development workshops that stress precepting skills and mentoring. Preceptors are regularly surveyed and the survey data are analyzed to help administrators learn how best to recruit and retain these faculty members. Students' input comes through surveys, small-group meetings, and their participation on committees. Program evaluation data and formal notes from committee meetings are promptly compiled and disseminated. Such efforts to promote good communication among preceptors, students, program administrators, and the medical college have both enhanced the generalist program and encouraged other curricular reforms in the college.