Residents' perception of their role in teaching undergraduate students in the clinical setting

Fifty-one residents from four major clinical specialties were interviewed using a questionnaire to assess how they perceived their teaching responsibilities toward undergraduate medical students. The residents' teacher characteristics, teaching effectiveness and abilities in certain aspects of teaching were examined. The residents perceived themselves as good teachers with adequate teacher characteristics. However, they rated themselves better as clinicians than as teachers. They scored themselves highly on attitude towards medical students (interpersonal skills) and technical skills. Their perception of teaching was significantly influenced by their clinical knowledge and their clinical ability. Communication was the best predictor of overall perceived teaching effectiveness. The residents agreed, however, that their teaching skills could be improved.