Effective interprofessional precepting in a specialty clinic: Utilizing evidence and lived experiences to optimize the training of diverse learners

Abstract

Preceptors often train students from different educational backgrounds. Many preceptors do not have adequate preparation to assess and educate students from backgrounds that differ from their own. Training students in specialty clinics creates additional challenges. The purpose of this short communication is to share lived experiences from seasoned specialty clinicians on how to approach interdisciplinary student clinical training using evidence-based methods. Five practices are highlighted that will promote successful precepting and can be easily implemented. As competition for clinical sites grows, it is essential that preceptors are prepared, engaged, and willing to train students from a variety of backgrounds.