Evaluating a clerkship curriculum: Description and results

Background: A comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum requires periodic for mal review to ensure it continues to meet learners' needs. Purpose: This study describes a model for evaluating a surgery clerkship cu rriculum designed to determine the appropriateness of its learning objectiv es to the general professional education of a physician. Methods: A survey was mailed to graduates who pursued generalist residencie s. Respondents estimated the number of patients encountered annually with s pecified presenting complaints or disease entities and the percentage of ti me these were referred to surgeons. For 23 technical procedures, respondent s estimated the frequency done annually and whether remaining proficient in the skill was considered important. Results: The majority of graduates reported the need to remain proficient i n 19 technical procedures. Numerous patient problems were identified as req uiring careful instruction so that learners know when and when not to refer for surgical intervention. Conclusions: The clerkship was modified to include skills and topics not pr eviously included or appropriately emphasized.