Abstract

Fifty-six medical students were asked to list the hospital departments where sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) might be seen and to name the conditions that might occur. The students mentioned 37 departments altogether. Forthy-seven students listed six or more departments and 43 described 11 or more conditions that might be seen. The departments mentioned were placed in ranking order. Over half the students stated that patients with STDs might present in departments of dermatology, neurology, gynaecology, ophthalmology, general medicine, urology, and rheumatology. Writing the lists did not encroach on the time available for clinical teaching and it helped stude-nts to visualise the ways and places in which STDs may present. This form of teaching could be used in other branches of medicine.