Results of a survey of pediatric clerkship programs in American medical schools
P. L. Stillman, V. A. Fulginiti, E. Rousseau and D. L. Sabers
Pediatric clerkship coordinators from 119 medical schools responded to a
questionnaire about administration, resources, goals, instructional design,
evaluation, and perceived strengths and weaknesses of their own programs.
Problems were reported in the definition of objectives, the evaluation of
students' knowledge, interviewing and physical-examination skills, and
problem-solving ability. A dedicated faculty and house staff interested in
teaching and a large and varied patient population were perceived as
strengths of many programs. Weaknesses cited included a lack of uniformity
in students' experience, insufficient time spent on the pediatric
clerkship, too many students with decreased faculty contact, overemphasis
on tertiary care, an inadequate ambulatory experience, lack of specific
objectives, and unsystematic evaluation methods. It is hoped that this
survey will provide an impetus for further fruitful exchanges among
clerkship directors.
