A REQUIRED ROTATION IN HOMELESS MEDICINE -PROMOTING ALTRUISM TO RESIDENTS. D.R. Buchanan 1 , L. Rohr 1 ; 1 Cook County Hospital / Rush University, Chicago, IL OBJECTIVES: Although the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) considers altruism to be one of the basic qualities that physicians should possess, residency programs rarely incorporate required rotations aimed at meeting this goal. Our objective was to design and implement a required rotation to promote altruism and careers with underserved populations through teaching residents about homelessness. METHODS: The course was designed to provide a balance between direct patient care and didactic sessions. Clinical experiences were supplemented by visits to providers of homeless services and by a lecture series. Residents worked in a variety of clinical settings, including performing medical outreach in locations around the city. The locations selected were meant to expose the residents to different facets of impoverished communities. In addition to the sites the residents visited as part of their clinical work, they also visited a number of medical and nonmedical sites related to homelessness. Specific sites included Chicago's only respite center for medically ill homeless people, Chicago's largest homeless shelter and its adjoining health center, and a smaller homeless shelter. A lecture series was included to help provide a context for understanding the medical and social issues unique to this population. The lectures focused on causes of poverty and homelessness as well as their effects on health and access to healthcare. The series was also used as a time for discussions, allowing the residents to reflect on their experiences and on assigned readings. RESULTS: The course was evaluated by pre and post course surveys. The surveys were designed to identify resident attitudes toward caring for homeless patients. We also used the surveys to identify barriers that residents feel toward pursuing careers in which they would care for underserved populations. Results of these surveys will be presented at the meeting. CONCLUSION: This required rotation,``Caring for Homeless Patients'', was implemented in the spring of 2001 for third year Primary Care Internal Medicine residents. Initial responses to the rotation have been positive. Future directions for this program include further assessment of whether the rotation is meeting its goal of promoting altruistic behavior among residents.