Experience with a general practice elective in the undergraduate curriculum.

The eight-week general practice elective at the University of Melbourne, after the introduction of a half-year of electives into the sixth year of the medical course, is here described. Seventy students and 50 clinical instructors recorded their opinions, which were generally strongly in favour of the semistructured course. Students were undoubtedly impressed by the skill of the general practitioner in diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of illnesses. The majority of students found the period to be an interesting and rewarding educational experience, and many stated that it altered favourably their view of general practice. The impact of this course is discussed in the context of future changes in medical education.