Learning Objectives

A general overview for all levels of practica

As students develop their clinical skills and reasoning, their need for preceptor guidance and support will change. It's important for preceptors to understand the student's current stage in this process. Preceptors may prefer working with students at specific stages. Your teaching style or practice environment might be better suited for either beginning or advanced students.

Beginner Level

Students should be able to:

• Demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior and attitude towards patient
• Demonstrate appropriate clinical abilities and conduct
• Communicate openly and constructively with patient
• Present self in a professional manner
• Accept constructive criticism regarding clinical performance
• Consistently collect accurate historical data in an efficient, prioritized and hypothesis-driven fashion
• Perform an accurate and thorough physical exam targeted at the patient’s complaint and confirming history

Intermediate Level

Students should be able to (in addition to above):

• Deliver a more clear and concise oral presentation
• Synthesize data to generate a prioritized differential diagnosis and final diagnosis
• Thoroughly discuss diagnosis with patient and assess patient’s understanding
• Appropriately treat acute/chronic conditions based on evidence based practice guidelines
• Discuss treatment plan with patient and provide comprehensive care planning

Advanced Level

Student should be able to (in addition to all of the above):

• Obtain relevant historical subtleties, including sensitive information that informs the differential diagnosis
• Obtain a complete accurate physical exam in a timely manner
• Identify subtle or unusual physical exam findings while confirming history
• Effectively integrate and synthesize history and physical examination skills to determine prioritized differential diagnoses and accurate diagnosis
• Discuss diagnosis with patient and effectively assess the patient’s understanding
• Appropriately and thoroughly treat the patient’s acute/chronic conditions
• Effectively communicate treatment plan with the patient and assess for understanding
• Coordinate care among various parties involved in holistic care of the patient