A medical student's perspective on education about domestic violence

Medical students, as physicians of the future, are well aware of the impact of violence and abuse on the health of patients and the well-being of society and are eager to learn all they can about family and intimate violence while in medical school. Yet, most academic and practical physicians - the ''experts'' who teach students the art and science of medical practice - have received little or no education themselves in this area. In order for medical students to enter practice feeling more comfortable with their important roles in the prevention of and intervention in family and intimate violence, they need to receive comprehensive, integrated education during all four years of medical school. This article outlines the rationale for such education from the student's perspective, describes the impact of such efforts on medical students, and suggest specific strategies for implementing curricular reforms designed to fully train medical students in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice effectively in this area.