A preceptor is an experienced clinician who provides supervision during clinical practice and facilitates the application of theory to practice for students and residents. A preceptor works with the learner for a defined period of time to assist the learner in developing new competencies required for safe, ethical, and quality practice. Preceptors set expectations, provide effective feedback, and provide appropriate opportunities for learners to meet their objectives.

Teaching is also an opportunity for professional growth. Many clinical teachers find that working with learners encourages them to reflect on their own practice, remain current with emerging evidence, and rediscover the curiosity that first drew them to medicine.

Your core responsibilities as a clinical teacher: 

• Create learning opportunities
  Let learners observe, participate, and take increasing responsibility.
• Provide brief, timely feedback
  Even 1–2 minutes at the end of a case is hugely valuable.
• Complete workplace-based assessments
  Focus on specific behaviours and level of supervision, not perfection.
• Role-model professional behaviour
  Demonstrate communication, teamwork, ethics, and compassion.
  Learners remember what you do more than what you say
• Ensure a safe, respectful learning environment
  Balance Psychological safety and productive struggle to support learning and patient care.