Preceptors & Students: Preceptor Support/Development

"The most powerful influence on a novice learner is a preceptor who provides a postive role model of the doctor-patient relationship."  p.6 Teaching in Your Office: A Guide to Instructing Medical Students and Residents

A preceptor's main job is to assess a student's ability to do the following:

• Perform an accurate medical history and physical exam based on the presenting complaint and appropriate to the clinical setting
• Formulate a differential diagnosis appropriate to the patient and the clinical setting
• Order and accurately interpret tests and procedures in order to narrow the differential diagnosis to a working diagnosis
• Accurately describe or perform procedures to diagnose and treat the patient's problems
• Craft a treatment plan appropriate to the patient's problems and situation
• Work with patients and members of the healthcare team ethically and professionally

Click on the sub-tabs above to find more resources on preceptor education and development, how to evaluate students, books and journals, and more.

According to the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics' Effective Preceptor Series, the effective preceptor demonstrates the following:

Communication Skills

• Possesses and demonstrates broad knowledge
• Explains the basis for actions and decisions
• Answers learner questions clearly and precisely
• Open to conflicting ideas and opinions
• Connects information to broader concepts
• Captures learner attention
• Makes learning fun

Careful Analysis of the Learner

• Accurately assesses learner's knowledge, attitudes, and skills
• Uses direct observation of the learner
• Provides effective feedback
• Performs fair and thoughtful evaluations

Skill in Practice and Teaching

• Provides effective role modeling
• Demonstrates skillful interactions with patients
• Presents information with organization and clarity
• Generates interest in the subject matter
• Organizes and controls the learning experience
• Balances clinical and teaching responsibilities
• Give appropriate responsibility to the learner

Motivation of the Leader

• Emphasizes problem solving
• Translates specific cases into general principles
• Promotes active involvement of the learner
• Demonstrates enjoyment and enthusiasm for patient care and teaching
• Develops a supportive relationship with the learner