An organized method of clinical precepting may increase preceptor effectiveness. Problem-oriented precepting is an organized teaching method directed not only at achieving high-quality care for the presented patient, but also at solving the problems of the medical provider that block that goal. The precepting method consists of the following steps: (1) identify initial impressions, (2) confirm or refute these impressions, (3) identify the problem, (4) develop teaching goals, (5) devise methods to achieve these goals, and (6) evaluate outcome. The use of this step-by-step process permits earlier definition of resident problems, which can improve the resident's problem-solving ability.