Medical school education in mental retardation

Physicians have been criticized regarding their role in dealing with retarded persons and families. Reviews of medical education programs suggest that physicians are not adequately trained in this area. The present study of 64 U.S. medical schools indicates that almost half presented only minimal coverage on the topic of mental retardation and offered inadequate clinical experience. The study concludes that there are deficiencies in medical education in mental retardation as well as in all other forms of chronic disability. A possible solution to this dilemma is to require a multidisciplinary course in chronic disabilities to teach medical students about the psychological and physical problems of the disabled.