Teaching in the clinical environment: Guide Supplement 34.1–Viewpoint

Abstract

Teaching in the clinical environment is a complex proposition. The AMEE guide of the same title authored by Ramani and Leinster (2008) sets as its ambitious goal, to provide background information on the theoretical underpinnings and practical advice to assist with this task. As with any guide, it is essential to keep in mind the assumptions that were used to establish a baseline from which to interpret the guidance described. In the present AMEE Guide, it appears the authors wrote assuming that the clinical teaching would be occurring within the context of an established course, in a medical training programme. While some of the guidance may be applied to other health professions, interdisciplinary team training is not directly addressed. Additionally, for clinical teaching that occurs in the absence of clearly defined roles, goals and objectives, these teachers are best advised to obtain training in establishing these basic parameters to maximize the benefits of the guide. In order to apply the advice presented, it is imperative to have a clear course infrastructure in place.

Notes

Notes

1. This AMEE Guide was published as Ramani, S & Leinster, S. 2008. Teaching in the clinical environment: AMEE Guide no. 34. Med Teach 30: 347–364.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joshua Levi Jacobs

JOSHUA JACOBS, MD is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, USA. He is serving from 2007 to 2009 as Visiting Researcher at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. As an American Board Certified Family Medicine physician, Dr Jacobs teaches clinical medicine to both medical students and resident physicians.