MEDICAL TEACHING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3673, 5 August 1924, Page 33

MEDICAL TEACHING.

an AUCKLAND PROJECT PROPOSED CLINICAL COURSES The establishment in Auckland of a course of clinical instruction for medical students was strongly urged at a special meeting last week of the Auckland Hospital Board. ’The chairman, Mr Yv. Wallace. presided. The matter was brought forward by Drs C. H. Tewsley and E. H. B. Milsoin,. as a deputation from the hospital’s honorary staff. Dr Tewsley said the proposal, subject to tho sanction and co-operation of the board, was to initiate a clinical course, as distinct from a theoretical. Already that was being done in Christchurch. ’lt was proposed to put on three different courses of three terms, similar to the scheme in Dunedin. They thought it would be better to pay nominal remuneration for instruction, so that the teachers would feel they must give of their best. Such a scheme would be of enormous benfit to the staff, to the profession generally, and also to the patients. Mi- E. H. Potter: It is practically a scheme for instituting a. medical school in Auckland ? Dr Tewsley: No, not exactly. We propose to offer only clinical instruction. Continuing, he said it was not suggested that a school be established. Such a course of instruction would not cost the board anything, but would be paid for by the students The Chairman said it was not . intended that the students should live in the hospital. Dr Tewsley, continuing, said there was no question about the honorary staff being willing to take the matter up. Already 10 men had signified willingness to give instruction, and he thought twice that number would be available.. The idea was not to give more than three two-hour periods each week. Dr Milsoin said the students could also be utilised to keep records of operations and of patienr». The Chairman supported the proposal. He would like the honorary staff to supply full details, as the board would have to go into the matter with the medical superintendent, Dr Maguire. lie hoped the proposal was the thin end of the wedge for the formation of a medical school for Auckland. It was only by taking hold of ihe matter with both hands and backing up the honorary staff that they would get anything from the Government in the way of university education in Auckland. Lawyers, apparently, were about all they could now train in Auckland. It was agreed that Dr Maguire should report, on the subject and the honorary staff place the details of the scheme before the board.