What is a preceptor, and what do they do?
A preceptor is a practicing healthcare professional (M.D. or D.O.) who mentors and supervises medical students during their clinical rotations. Preceptors provide real-world learning experiences, helping students apply their classroom knowledge to patient care, develop clinical reasoning, and understand the day-to-day realities of medical practice.
What types of students will I be working with?
You’ll be working with medical students from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and School of Community Medicine. These students have completed 18 months of rigorous preclinical training and passed the USMLE Step 1, making them well-prepared to contribute meaningfully during their clerkship rotations.
Can I choose when and how often I precept students?
Yes! We understand that every practice is different. You can work with the Office of Community Partnerships and the Clerkship Coordinator for your specialty to determine a schedule and frequency that works best for you and your clinic.
Do I need to be affiliated with OU to become a preceptor?
No formal affiliation with OU is required to express interest in becoming a preceptor. Once you submit the interest form, the Office of Community Partnerships will guide you through the next steps to get started.
What should I do if I have concerns about a student’s performance?
If you encounter any concerns regarding a student’s performance, professionalism, or behavior, please email your OU Department Director and Coordinator. If you do not have their information, please email Preceptors@ou.edu