None have ever asked us to turn off the speakerphone. Student feedback has been all positive, both verbally and on teaching evaluation questionnaires. They are so eager for clinical input in the early years in most curricula. If prior permission were obtained, these conversations could even be recorded for later use by these early classes. Possibly they could be used to replace a laboratory in the preclinical years.
Students are quick to pick up on the two levels of vocabulary used in speakerphone conversations.
There is the ivory tower precise medical terminology that we use to talk to our students and practitioners, and the lay language that we use with clients. The two hardest things to which student must adjust when they graduate are how to charge adequately for their services and to communicate effectively with their clients and colleagues. Speakerphone rounds help address the latter. Finally, speakerphone rounds can at times be very entertaining. Some conversations and situations can be hilarious.