ABSTRACT
State Medical University trains physicians, nurses, and health professionals in a variety of specialties. The training of physicians is fairly traditional, with two years of basic science instruction followed by third- and fourth-year clinical experiences. The primary teaching strategy for clinical experiences has been apprenticeships in hospital settings. However, because of a changing health care environment, fewer than 5% of all pediatric interactions result in hospitalization, and hospital stays have been greatly shortened. Therefore, increasing numbers of medical students complete their required rotations in pediatrics offices around the state.
