Background: Research has identified students' preferences for clinical sites and the clinical teaching behaviors of preceptors valued by students. This study investigated medical students' perceptions of preceptor teaching behaviors and student performance information at community- and residency-based sites.
Methods: The sample was 594 third-year medical students who completed a 4-week rotation in family medicine at community- and residency-based sites. Students completed two evaluation instruments that addressed clinical experiences and perceptions of effective teaching by clinical preceptors.
Results: For the majority of items, no statistically significant differences were found between students' rating of preceptors at private practices and residency sites. Generally, the students rated both types of preceptors as favorable. Student clinical performance was rated higher at community sites.
Conclusions: Overall, preceptor teaching behaviors at community practices and residency programs were rated favorably by students. Differences were noted between site types in their clinical evaluation of students.