All aspects of practice encountered by the preceptor should be a part of the student's training. Office practice offers a very practical opportunity for students to learn much about the science, economics, and art of medicine. The preceptorship's office is a valuable laboratory for teaching ambulatory medicine. Students are taught methods of eliciting histories, performing exams, reaching a tentative diagnosis, prescribing under supervision, as well as advising patients and referring them to other doctors for further treatment. Details of office practice such as record keeping, filing, billing of patients and collection methods are also learned within this setting.

• No preceptor should assume that the preceptee may be used as an assistant or substitute to relieve oneself of one's own obligation as a practicing physician.
• The preceptor should approve and critique histories and physicals done by the preceptee and should check and countersign any prescriptions ordered by the preceptee either at the time of writing or subsequently with the local pharmacist whose services may be involved.
• Please note that the taking of histories and physicals should not be overemphasized.
• There are no regulations regarding student participation in the practice or to what extent. Ultimate responsibility for patient care rests entirely with the preceptor. Experience indicates that after a period of observation, most preceptors encourage preceptees to take histories, perform physical examinations and do necessary laboratory work under supervision.
• As proficiency is observed and the respect of the preceptor has been earned, the preceptee may be permitted to do surgical dressings, minor procedures, and to assist at operations and in the delivery of obstetrical patients. The preceptor must determine when a student is qualified to engage in these aspects of practice under his/her supervision.
• Students look to their preceptors as their teachers. Many students have indicated their desire to meet with the preceptor several times a week to discuss diagnosis, methods of therapy, and the management of patients. These meetings may last for whatever length of time deemed necessary by the preceptor and student. It is expected that the preceptor will confer with the preceptee concerning the student's evaluations.
• Attendance at medical meetings form an important part of the practitioner's postgraduate education consistent with demands of office and hospital practice. Students should be encouraged to go to country and district medical society meetings and other meetings with the preceptor.
• All students will meet as a group with the director of the Preceptorship Program of the Department of Family Medicine the first day of the preceptorship and the last day (Friday) of the preceptorship.
• Preceptees may call the Medical Center Library to obtain current literature of interesting cases. Students will furnish forms for evaluation of the preceptorship and for certain evaluations of the community.
• Each student is required to provide oneself with a stethoscope, percussion hammer, and ophthalmoscope-otoscope, etc. Necessary reference books should be available in the physician's office or hospital, but the student may find one of the brief handbooks or manuals of medicine of practical assistance.
• In various meetings with representative groups of preceptors, it has been generally agreed to underwrite a portion of the financial responsibility of the preceptor training program. The preceptors have agreed to pay the transportation of the student from and to Omaha (one round trip only). Board and room are also be provided by the preceptor. The preceptor is responsible for providing room and transportation for the student's spouse if accompanying the student and he/she makes prior arrangements with the preceptor.
• Assignments of students for preceptorships is the right of the Committee, but the student may express a special preference for some one doctor or location. Likewise, the preceptor may express his preference for a particular student. Final assignment, however, rests with the Committee.

The Preceptorship Committee
The University of Nebraska College of Medicine
Revisions 2008