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 park, where to put personal things, location of restroom, etc.
- 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 email communication (portal, etc.)
- 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 how to notify office
- Provide student with a contact person for questions and/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 examine resources available in the community and bring this information back to the practice
Overview of Learner and rotation
- Relate experience to learner’s career plans
- Areas the student would like to focus on
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 patients selected for learner to see
- Length of time to spend with each patient
- Any relevant practice policies
Values
- Show respect to patients & staff
- Get to know patients
- 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