Goals and Objectives

The MD Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison offers a fourth-year preceptorship.

Overarching Goals

Upon completion of the fourth-year preceptorship, students will:

1. Understand the complexities of a multidisciplinary health care system
2. Develop proficiency in providing patient care in a community setting
3. Apply principles of preventive medicine to clinical care
4. Recognize the impact of health care and reimbursement systems on the delivery of health care
5. Expand upon their personal and professional growth and development

6. Recognize the effect of quality measurement and improvement on clinical decision-making, cost of care and patient satisfaction

Educational Objectives

Patient Care (Problem solving and Clinical Skills)

Students are expected to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.

1. Conduct an efficient and effective clinical medicine interview
2. Describe the impact of continuity of care on health care delivery
3. Develop independent assessments and differential diagnoses
4. Negotiate management plans with patients and preceptors
5. Describe the impact of local culture on health care, wellness, the work environment and the community
6. Provide continuous care and assure effective care transitions for patients as they move through multiple health care settings
7. Describe challenges of chronic disease management in the U.S. health care system

Medical Knowledge

Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical and social sciences.

1. Describe the impact of nutrition, physical activity and weight on physical and mental health
2. Locate ACIP recommendations for immunizations and describe strategies for improving community immunization rates for both children and adults
3. Describe the impact of USPSTF and other professional groups' screening recommendations on the clinical practice of your preceptor

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

Students are expected to investigate and evaluate their patient care practices by appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence.

1. Describe a local quality improvement initiative at your preceptorship site

Systems Based Practice

Students are expected to demonstrate an awareness of the larger context and system of health care and effectively call on system resources to provide optimal care.

1. Use and refer patients to appropriate community-based health care resources
2. Participate in community health activities
3. Describe the preceptor's relationship to the health care system in which he or she practices
4. Describe the roles of federal, state and private programs that pay for health care within the U.S. health care system
5. Describe the relationships between health care financing and health care delivery
6. Identify contemporary health care issues and discuss their impact on the practice of medicine

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Students are expected to effectively communicate and collaborate with patients, their families and health professionals.

1. Work and communicate with doctors, nurses, therapists, physician assistants, medical assistants, chaplains and other health care personnel in a manner that fosters mutual respect and excellence in patient care

Professionalism

Students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, and to be responsive and compassionate.

1. Conduct themselves in a professional manner
2. Obtain formative feedback and improve communication, history and physical exam skills
3. Identify areas of tension between professional, family and personal aspects of their lives