The medical teacher's job: “Working together to zero in on patient safety, and zero out preventable errors” (Clinton 1999)

Abstract

The role of a medical teacher proposed 25 years ago is still recommended. Some teachers are born to greatness, but more careful and more thoughtful attention, rather than less, should be given to preparation for that role for those not born to greatness. In addition the penury of blueprint of the expected relevant professional profile makes it difficult to construct certifying exams of an acceptable level of validity in order to protect the population from incompetent doctors.