Connecting Physician Preceptors with Medical Students in the Ambulatory Setting

Abstract

In 2012, the Ohio State University College of MEDICINE began implementing a new, competency based medical school curriculum. Early clinical service-learning experiences were one of the hallmarks of this new curriculum, giving first year students opportunities to work with real patients in clinical settings while meeting patient care learning objectives. Integration of the bioscience, clinical skills and social curriculum within a safe teaching environment helps to promote the professional identity of the student [1,2]. A similar longitudinal model was introduced at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for their first-year students [3]. The College developed the Longitudinal Practice Program (LPP) to provide necessary structure for ~200 first year medical students to spend one-half day every other week with a clinical preceptor.