Introducing preclinical students to primary care through a community preceptorship program.

In the 1980-81 academic year, the Morehouse School of Medicine implemented a preceptorship program designed to introduce preclinical students to primary care. The program is unique in that it is required for all first- and second-year students; it is continuous throughout the first two years of medical school; it exposes students to a variety of primary care specialties, settings, and practice modes; and it enables students to follow a family for one to two years. A preliminary evaluation of the program's first year indicates that it has had an impact on the students' attitudes, knowledge, and career plans. The objectives and operation of the program are described.