Establishment of a clinical teaching associates breast examination program for medical students.

A program was designed to instruct medical students on how to obtain a history pertinent to breast abnormalities and to perform a breast examination. The use of clinical teaching associates provides direct student instruction and critiques during the examination. In addition, students are taught how to instruct patients in the breast self-examination and to properly document breast abnormalities. Such a program should be considered for incorporation in all physical diagnosis courses as well as in residency training programs and seminars for practicing physicians.