During every eight week rotation students have the opportunity to explore the field of primary care and generalist practice. While most of the clinical rotations in the third year occur in the hospital setting, the PCC is situated in the community where most primary health care is delivered. In this clerkship, each student works with community based family physicians as well as general internists or pediatricians. These physicians open their practices to give students the chance to experience primary care. Student-patient encounters trigger the need for further learning that the student conducts independently and in small group sessions with faculty mentors.
Students have opportunities to explore certain topics in depth and to establish individual goals.
In addition to learning from the patients and problems encountered, students are encouraged to take time to note the importance of the physician-patient relationship, assess the health problems and resources of the community in which they practice, and to participate in the coordination of health care. The field of primary care is vast and this clerkship is meant to serve as an introduction. Enjoy your experience as a member of a primary health care team.