A one year experience in the use of Balint groups with third year medical students

Balint groups have been used to teach about the doctor-patient relationship at the postgraduate level, but their exclusive use with medical students has not been reported in the United States. This article reports on a time limited Balint group experience with third year medical students during the family medicine clerkship rotations spanning a full academic year. Overall, the experience was appreciated by the students. Despite their limited clinical experience, students participated well and they discussed topics similar to those reported in Balint groups at the post graduate level. The faculty group leaders found this teaching method challenging and enjoyable. In view of this favorable experience, Balint groups are offered as a useful tool to teach third year medical students about the doctor-patient relationship.