Medical student's perspective on preceptors in family practice.

Preceptorships have become an important means by which medical students are exposed to family practice. In order for a preceptor to be successful in nurturing student interest in family practice, he must have a good understanding of certain characteristics of today's medical students. Important differences exist between preclinical and clinical students, and the preceptorship must be designed accordingly. Unless preceptors are carefully selected and trained, they may have a negative influence on student interest in family practice.