Core Clinical Experience and Electives

Doctor with young patient

Clinical preceptorship

Students spend approximately 80 percent of their time on the rotation working in a family physician's practice. This may include hospital, maternity care, nursing home and home visits, depending on the individual practice. Some students may work with only one preceptor for the entire rotation, while other students may experience multiple providers.

Small group discussion

Weekly small group discussions, facilitated by faculty. These give students an opportunity to research clinical issues they encounter in their preceptor's practice. The sessions focus on problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Didactic interactive seminars

One half-day per week is spent in interactive seminars/workshops. A core set of seminars are presented to students by faculty to cover medical, social and practice-related issues.

Objective structured clinical examination

The OSCE uses standardized patients in clinical scenarios. Students perform histories, exams and provide patient education in a clinical simulation. The students receive immediate feedback from faculty. The OSCE is to allow students a chance to learn and implement strategies throughout their rotation.  

OHSU Family Medicine's award-winning program exposes students to real-world experiences that allow them to dig deep into the family medicine specialty. The program allows students to put into place the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom. Students develop leadership skills and enhanced clinical skills that they carry with them for the rest of their career.