Undergraduate Program

Family Medicine Clerkship Goals and Objectives

Representatives from the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in Little Rock, the Central AHEC Office and Area Health Education Centers have developed meaningful goals, objectives, and strategies for delivering the Family Medicine Clerkship. Each site is unique and may embellish on these core elements.

The student will learn the diagnosis and management of common problems in Family Medicine.

Objectives:

1.1 Describe the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic health problems most often encountered in ambulatory medicine.

1.2 Utilize problem solving approaches to health care including, therapeutic trials, use of follow-up visits, and general knowledge of family dynamics in providing patient care.

Goal #2

The student will demonstrate skills in gathering patient information with emphasis on problem-specific history taking and physical examination.

Objectives:

2.1 Observe, describe and demonstrate those communication and relationship skills which influence patient compliance, patient satisfaction, and therapeutic outcome.

2.2 Describe or demonstrate appropriate interviewing, patient education and counseling skills.

The student will learn principles of wellness and health promotion in the provision of patient care.

Objectives:

3.1 Apply methods of health promotion and disease prevention through the use of written protocols, risk identification, screening for disease and counseling asymptomatic patients.

3.2 Review the preventive care approach to prenatal health and well child care.

3.3 Learn the role of fitness, nutrition, stress reduction, smoking cessation and avoidance of substance abuse in health promotion.

3.4 Discuss the ethical, legal, and social implications of medical genetics on health promotion and disease prevention.

Goal #4

The student will learn effective methods of data collection and record keeping.

Objectives:

4.1 Demonstrate the use of the problem-oriented method to record clinical information.

4.2 Describe the role of the medical record in providing quality care.

The student will learn effective use of community resources as they relate to family medicine.

Objectives:

5.1 Demonstrate the effective use of consultation with other physicians.

5.2 Identify and use community resources available to the family physician in the care of patients.

The student will be introduced to aspects of the organization and management of a family medicine clinic.

6.1 Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with members of the health care team including nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, office staff and consultants.

6.2 Expose students to quality assurance and economic issues affecting the practice of family medicine.

6.3 Learn cost effective measures within the practice of medicine.

Goal #7

The student will be provided with feedback concerning his/her performance during the clerkship.

Objectives:

7.1 Actively seek feedback about performance, application of medical knowledge and interpersonal interactions with staff.

7.2 Recognize own assets and limitations and takes steps to grow and develop skills, knowledge and attitudes.

7.3 Accept and act upon feedback and constructive criticism from faculty and staff.