Below, we have listed basic information that learners appreciate knowing during their first day in a practice.  The preceptor or other member of the practice team can meet with the learner on the first day and provide a brief orientation prior to the start of their clinical work.

Basic Practice Orientation for Student

• Show student where to hang coat, put personal things, refrigerator for lunch (if you have one), and where to park;
• Show student where they can read and find medical reference materials;
• Describe student dress code for the practice: name tag, lab coat?
• Review hours/days patient care provided;
• Review practice phone system and mail;
• Briefly describe patient flow and office system (e.g. records, triage, patient registration);
• Introduce student to other staff, describe each person’s role and responsibilities as they relate to patient care;
• Review student absentee policy and inform them about how to notify office;
• Provide student with a contact person for questions or problems;

Introduction to community

• Briefly describe the history of the community you serve.  If literature or a video is available, please inform student about it;
• Ask Students to future examine resources available in the community and bring this information back to the practice

Overview of Learner and rotation

• Relate rotation to learner’s career plans (learner background form)
• Rotations completed
• Areas needing work

Preceptor Expectations

Daily routine

• Hours/ days learner in the office
• Learner’s level of responsibility and autonomy in providing patient care
• Other learner responsibilities (call patients, etc)
• Amount of reading expected
• Directions for writing chart notes, dictating, writing prescriptions, referrals
• How pts selected for learner to see
• Length of time to spend with each pt
• Any relevant practice policies

Values

• Show respect to pts & staff; how?
• Get to know pts?
• Discuss your (faculty) background experiences, and career choices

Preceptor/learner interaction

• Format for case presentations
• Logistics for staffing or signing out patients (i.e. when and how should learner interrupt faculty?)

Regular time & process for feedback