Implementation and evaluation of a primary care preceptorship

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Curricular reform at the University of Michigan Medical School.
• Implementation of a required primary care clerkship for third-year students in 1993.

Purpose of the Study:

• To foster understanding of comprehensive health care principles.
• To equip students with skills for managing common primary care issues and disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Developed common goals and objectives with community practitioners.
• Ensured frequent communication with preceptors and provided active feedback.
• Conducted thorough evaluations of students and preceptors.

Main Results:

• Students and preceptors reported the program as beneficial.
• Identified areas for future improvement: grading accuracy, preceptor retention, and patient/service diversity.

Conclusions:

• The primary care clerkship was successfully implemented.
• Ongoing attention is needed for grading, preceptor engagement, and comprehensive patient exposure.