ABSTRACT
Precepting residents may have some cost associated with it, but the cost is far outweighed by the benefits for the physician. The main cost is going to be in the extra time (and associated cost of productivity) that it takes to teach and precept. The benefits are enhanced reputation, intellectual stimulation, keeping abreast of new advances in medicine, and the sense of accomplishment that goes with helping to educate the next generation of physicians. When looking for a partner, there is no better way of recruiting than to work with that individual before hand. There are strategies for addressing cost. Variable factors that influence the cost of precepting include the type of practice, the office where the resident will see the patient, and the resident and the preceptor themselves. The costs of precepting will be most influenced by the experience of the resident and the style of the preceptor.
