What is a Preceptorship? How is it different from Shadowing?

[DrGiraffe]

Can anyone please explain the difference?

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[docbrill]

I don't think there is a difference. I could be wrong though...

 

[mauberley]

Preceptorship, to me at least, implies a more formal/long-term arrangement that includes mentoring and opportunities for involvement like participating in the H&P and goes beyond simple shadowing.

 

[MegMurry]

Can anyone please explain the difference?

Depends on what you make of it and the doctor you're working under.

I think traditionally preceptorships are a little more hands on in that you're expected to gain more clinical experience as a medical student, so you are encouraged to participate in taking a H&P, etc. Also, I think it's structured so that you're getting an evaluation at the end of the experience.

The stereotype of shadowing is that it's much more passive an activity in terms of patient interaction. The benefit to both is that you're still gaining perspective on what it's like to work in a clinical setting.

A friend of mine works in a medical school admin setting and is in charge of assigning preceptors to M1s. Her chief complaint (see what i did there? 🙄) is that many request preceptors in very specific specialties with the misconception that they'll learn "more" from them. You can learn just as much from primary care docs, if not have more opportunity to interact with your patient.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Preceptorship, to me at least, implies a more formal/long-term arrangement that includes mentoring and opportunities for involvement like participating in the H&P and goes beyond simple shadowing.

Yeah, that's basically what it is. However, you're not going to be able to do a whole lot more than shadow until second year-ish.

 

[MegMurry]

Preceptorship, to me at least, implies a more formal/long-term arrangement that includes mentoring and opportunities for involvement like participating in the H&P and goes beyond simple shadowing.

maubs you beat me to the punchline 😀

 

[DrGiraffe]

Thanks! What is H&P? (History and physical exam?)

 

[MilkmanAl]

Yes.

 

[star230]

Preceptorship, to me at least, implies a more formal/long-term arrangement that includes mentoring and opportunities for involvement like participating in the H&P and goes beyond simple shadowing.

Agree