The teaching of pharmacology in Italian medical schools: the point of view of Italian doctors

Objective: A survey was carried out to gather the opinions of doctors about the current method of teaching pharmacology in Italy. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 3860 doctors, who were asked a series of questions regarding the teaching of pharmacology to medical students in Italian universities. Results and conclusions: The great majority of those who replied considered the teaching they received to be mainly theoretical. The doctors thought that much more time and attention should be dedicated to those pharmacology subjects that are more closely connected to physiopathology and clinical practice (clinical pharmacology).