IMPORTANT: A SEPARATE APPLICATION FORM WITH PHYSICIAN CHOICES SELECTED FROM A LIST OF APPROVED PRECEPTORS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 6 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ROTATION PERIOD.   The application process is completed online at www.familypracticepreceptorship.org.  Contact Carolyn Lindeman for more information at 214-648-1382.

Please Note: This course is not open to visiting students. 

Course Description:

In this course, the student works one-on-one with a private family practice physician.   The purpose of the experience is to provide students with a real world look at an outpatient, primary care practice and an opportunity to further develop their clinical skills in that setting.   Students work full time with the preceptor for the four weeks to gain the best exposure possible to the continuity of care experience.  In addition students complete web-based cases and a Healthcare Financing, Delivery and Organization learning module.  Preceptors are located throughout Texas; there are opportunities to work in urban, suburban or rural practices.  Students wishing to stay in the Dallas area should expect some commute time, since many of the area preceptors are in nearby suburbs and not necessarily near the medical school.

Course Goals:

• To introduce medical students to the concepts of family practice.
• To provide exposure to primary care role models and ambulatory clinical experience.
• To develop medical management skills for the most frequently encountered ambulatory illnesses.

Course Objectives:    The student is expected to:

• Conduct a focused, appropriate history and physical exam in the time allowed.
• Demonstrate a fund of knowledge that is appropriate for his/her level of training.
• Establish appropriate rapport with patients.
• Use appropriately the community resources available for comprehensive patient care.
• Interact courteously and professionally with members of the staff and patients.
• Understand the familial nature of family practice.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of the family practitioner to their community.
• Develop basic knowledge of the concepts of healthcare financing, delivery and organization.

Methods of Instruction:

• Didactic (schedule, topic, faculty) - The student will be in a one-on-one instructional setting with a private family practice physician. He/she will also participate in medical association conferences, hospital staff meetings, and teaching sessions attended by the preceptor.    Additionally, students attend a healthcare financing, delivery and organization lecture on campus.
• Clinical (schedule, faculty teaching, housestaff teaching) - The student is required to participate in all clinical activities of the preceptor.
• Web-Based Nutrition Case - Students must also complete web-based case in order to pass the course.
• Student responsibilities (and to whom accountable) - The supervising physician will assign responsibilities to the student. In case of absence from the preceptorship for any reason, both the Department (contact Carolyn Lindeman x81382) and the preceptor must be notified.  Any unexcused absence will result in failure of the course.

Method of Evaluation:

• Pass/fail grade; no examination.
• A written, standardized evaluation form is completed by the preceptor on the student's performance during the preceptorship. The student also completes an evaluation form on the physician.

Important Policies:

• The supervising physician cannot be a family member or relative.
• Maximum excused absences:  2 days.   Any unexcused absence will result in failure of the course.