Abstract

Fifty three recently qualified doctors working in various fields of child health were asked to relate their present work to the teaching they received as undergraduates. A rating scale was used that indicated the doctor's perceptions of the present importance of a subject and the previous deficiency in teaching. History taking and examination techniques were thought to have been adequately taught, but the diagnosis and management of 'minor ailments' in children were thought to have been deficient in the course, despite their importance in present work. A greater emphasis on problem based teaching would make up for this deficiency.