Some students today have a much more difficult time lining up preceptors and clinical rotations, particularly if they are attending an off-shore or for-profit school.
Some may also be unaware of the benefits that they and their learners may receive upon entering into a preceptor position.
There are numerous benefits – financial, community growth, and higher education – that will need to be discussed more openly in order to meet the rising educational needs for our current healthcare system.
Rural medicine preceptors, for instance, may need additional guidance to properly support their students in this specialized environment and demographic.
With the recent announcement that the USMLE Step 1 will be changing to pass/fail, clinical experiences will likely also become a more important aspect of the residency selection process.
Continuing medical education credits and awards are rarely the sole reason for a preceptor to teach but they can be the icing on the cake for a professional that is on the fence.