Clinical Preceptor Resources

Summer Term II 2026 (Clinical Year)

Fall Term 2026 (Clinical Year)

Spring Term 2027 (Clinical Year)

Summer Term I 2027 (Clinical Year)

Graduation Date: MHS conferral September 1, 2027

Obstetrics & Gynecology | Duke University School of Medicine

Emergency Medicine | Duke University School of Medicine

Behavioral Medicine | Duke University School of Medicine

Pediatrics | Duke University School of Medicine

Internal Medicine A | Duke University School of Medicine

Internal Medicine B | Duke University School of Medicine

Internal Medicine C | Duke University School of Medicine

Primary Care A | Duke University School of Medicine

Primary Care B | Duke University School of Medicine

Principles of Surgery | Duke University School of Medicine

Clinical Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities

Definition of Preceptor Role

The preceptor is an integral part of the teaching program, serving as a role model for the student. Through guidance and teaching, they help students improve skills in history-taking, physical examination, effective communication, physical diagnosis, accurate and succinct documentation, reporting, problem assessment, and plan development, including coordination of care. Additionally, by providing feedback, preceptors are a vital resource as students develop and progress.

Preceptor Responsibilities

Preceptor responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Orient, assess each student at the onset of the rotation with the practice/site policies and procedures, including safety and emergency policies and procedures
• Prepare staff, other providers, and patients with information regarding how the student will interact with them and with patients.
• Review the expectations and objectives for the rotation. In addition to the expectations and course objectives, preceptors should speak informally with the student in determining clear goals for the rotation.
• Provide ongoing and timely feedback to the student regarding clinical performance, clinical knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and critical thinking skills.
• Supervise, demonstrate, teach, and observe clinical activities to aid in the development of clinical skills and professionalism and to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Delegate increasing levels of patient care responsibility based on a student’s experience and expertise.
• Participate in the evaluation of clinical skills and medical knowledge base through the following mechanisms:
  • Direct supervision, observation, and teaching in the clinical setting
  • Immediate evaluation of presentations (including both oral and written)
  • Assignment of outside readings and research to promote further learning
• During patient care, verify student documentation in the Electronic Health Record; student entries must be identified as “student” and signed “PA-S”.
• Identify an acceptable replacement who will supervise the student should the primary preceptor become unavailable.
• Collect verbal or written evaluations from other preceptors to help gauge overall student performance and feedback and meet with students during the last week of the rotation to discuss student’s performance.
• Timely electronic submission of student evaluation forms to the Duke University PA Program.
• Maintain an ethical approach to the care of patients by serving as a role model to the student.
• Demonstrate cultural humility in all interactions with patients, families, healthcare teams, and systems.
• Dialogue with faculty during site visits to evaluate student progress and assist the learning process.
• Demonstrate an ethical approach to the care of patients by serving as a role model for the student.

• Promptly notify the PA program of any circumstances that might interfere with student safety or wellness or accomplishing the above goals or diminish the overall experience.

  
  Contact the PA Program Office at (919) 681-3161 in the event of an emergency, problems, or questions. If you have concerns about a student’s performance, please contact the course coordinator. We appreciate hearing from preceptors sooner, rather than later, so that we can assist in developing an appropriate learning plan.

Fall Term 2026

Spring Term 2027

Summer Term 2027

*Minimum rotation hours refer to the least number of clinical hours students must complete to successfully fulfill the requirements of a rotation course. These hours are subject to change based on programmatic activities and assessments. Given the critical role that clinical experience plays in medical education, the PA program expects students to exceed these minimum hours whenever clinical availability permits and to fully maximize their time in the clinical setting.

PA Preceptor Teaching Strategies Packet

Clinical Year Contact Information | Duke University School of Medicine