The Experience of an Elective Clerkship in a Clinical Curriculum

Kim, Kyung Han

Abstract

The 3rd and 4th year medical students participated in the elective clerkship since 1996. The period of the elective clerkship was 1 week each, for the 6 subjects which were selected among 12 minor subjects. This study had specific aims: to find out student's favorite subjects; to investigate the assessment methods; to compare the score of elective subjects; to evaluate student's reaction about elective clerkship, for the improvement of the elective clerkship in a clinical curriculum. There was a big discrepancy between the highest selection rate(100%, dermatology) and the lowest selection rate(5%, ophthalmology) during the last 5 years. The assessment methods used for students in the elective clerkship were attendance, direct observation of attitude, technical skills, written or oral examination, case presentation, journal presentation, reports, observation of operations, etc. Attendance, direct observation of attitude, case presentation, and report were the primary assessment methods used during clinical training. The other assessment methods were not utilized for clinical skills and interpersonal skills. The difference between the highest and the lowest mean score of elective subjects was decreasing from 13 in 1998 to 12.6 in 1999 to 9.3 in 2000. Thirty six percent of students were satisfied, and 50% unsatisfied with the overall elective course. In conclusion, I recommend the period of the elective course should be 2 weeks each, for the 6 subjects for the merit of elective courses. Students should have a chance such as orientation to choose the elective subjects before they enter the elective clerkship. The assessment method (OSCE, CPX) of clinical skills, interpersonal skills and communication skills should be developed for the improvement of the elective clerkship in a clinical curriculum.