Wanted: community preceptors!
The future of the specialty depends on medical students who decide to follow today's family physicians into family practice. And currently, there's an urgent need for more community family physicians to serve as preceptors, to teach students "real-world" knowledge that can't be learned at medical school.
As a preceptor, you can help students ranging from newcomers learning basic history-taking and exam skills, to senior students planning to enter family practice residencies and needing more hands-on clinical experience.
What's in it for you?
Take AAFP President Neil Brooks' word for it:
"You can share the incredible rewards that come from being a mentor and role model, and give back to the medical profession by shaping the attitudes and the knowledge base of those who will care for your patients in the future."
AAFP President Neil Brooks, M.D.
MYTH:
I don't have enough worthwhile information to teach.FACT:
Students desperately want and need the information that only you may be able to provide. They need to see all aspects of patient care, from your rapport with patients, to your management of common problems, to your use of referrals and community services, to your running of an office practice.Call your local family medicine department, family practice residency or constituent chapter office for more information about preceptor opportunities in your area.
American Academy of Family Physicians
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FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department. Copyright © 1998 by American Academy of Family Physicians.