The fourth-year preceptorship, required of all medical students, takes place in more than 30 communities across the state. UW School of Medicine and Public Health preceptorships immerse students in a community-based clinical environment in a one-on-one relationship with a physician mentor. During this experience, students develop a greater understanding of the value of community resources in patient care and insights into the relationships between clinical care, public health and health of the community.
This preceptorship experience was developed while Dr Bardeen was the Dean of the medical school. It was the first such program in the United States being developed in response to the national recognition that medical students need to learn to apply the science of medicine in community settings. Beginning in 1926, fourth-year medical students would spend one quarter of their 4th year working in one of several private practices scattered across the state.
Jacob Prunuske, MD
Course Director
The preceptorship rapidly grew into one of the most popular aspects of medical education at the University of Wisconsin. By the time Dr. Bardeen died in 1935, imitations had spawned across the nation, and the preceptor concept became an important national innovation.
This program is seen by many as the capstone experience of medical education at the University of Wisconsin. With the opportunities available to fulfill this requirement, it can also serve as a springboard into residency education.
