Preceptor Responsibilities

On the first day the student visits:

  • Set aside at least 15 minutes in your schedule to get acquainted with the student.
  • Orient the student to the practice, your partners and staff (See section on "Integrating a Student into Your Office"). Provide site-specific information, such as parking, etc.
  • Discuss your expectations of the student and allow them to discuss their expectations of the month as well.
  • Review the student's daily schedule for the 4-week block, providing directions to off-sites if necessary.

For each day of the clerkship:

  • Review with the student his/her schedule for the day. Clarify questions.
  • Allow the student as much independence as possible to obtain their own history and physical exam, and to generate their own assessment and plan.
  • Directly observe the student as much as possible to give direct feedback on skills.
  • Allow the student time to present their findings. Help them focus their discussion.
  • Give feedback at the end of each session. Identify and address problems as they arise. (See sections on "Tips for Giving and Getting Feedback" and "Suggestions for Addressing Problems with a Student")
  • Maintain a comfortable learning environment. Provide opportunities for the student to chart, read, ask questions and discuss what they have learned.

For the overall clerkship:

  • Keep the broad Clerkship goals in mind.
  • Perform one full observed history and physical examination, using the structured clerkship form. If the student is also doing their newborn experience in your office, a second observed newborn H+P will also be required (see the section on "Newborn Experience").
  • Provide written evaluation of each student no later than one week after the completion of the 4-week rotation block.
  • Communicate with the Clerkship Director and/or Coordinator in a timely manner about concerns or problems with an individual student's performance or behavior.
  • Provide the Clerkship Office timely notification in the event that the practice will not be able to accommodate a scheduled student.
  • Give constructive feedback to the Clerkship Director and/or Coordinator to help improve the Clerkship experience for both you and the student.

If interested in this opportunity, please contact Theresa F. Bryant.