A medical student-staffed outpatient oncology clinic: A 10-year Brazilian experience

Background. This is an update of a 10-years student-staffed oncology clinic. Methods. Students are divided into 4 teams; each sees I to 2 outpatients weekly. Results. By April 2006, 95 medical students participated, 89% for 2 or more years; 70% reported activity contributed to ability to read medical papers, and 59% improved their scientific writing. Of 39 students currently involved, 33 (84%) improved clinical skills in taking history, 27 (69%) in physical examination, and 34 (87%) in physician-patient relation. A total of 21 (56%) reported increased knowledge in general internal medicine. Although only 11% of former students pursued a specialty in Medical Oncology, 77% rated this clinic as the best extracurricular activity. Conclusions. Attendance of outpatient clinic in medical oncology can contribute significantly to the general medical education.