The status of the clinicopathologic conference in academic medical centers

To determine the current level of use, characteristics, and perceived value of the clinicopathologic conference (CPC), we sent a 22-item survey questionnaire to the program directors of internal medicine residency training programs. Of the 278 residency training programs that returned questionnaires, 221 (80%) indicated that they held CPCs regularly. The conference received a mean rating (Likert scale 1 = best to 5 = worst) of 2.2 (95% confidence interval 2.2, 2. 3) for both its perceived educational value and its popularity. The CPC remains widely used in internal medicine training programs. Although relatively few programs have rigorous guidelines for preparation and evaluation of their presentations, the CPC is generally viewed as being popular and having sound educational value.