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Context: In an environment of decreasing hospital stays, incorporating community resources into patient care and medical education is increasingly important. Yet, the literature suggests that this is an area of practice with which physicians are uncomfortable and patients are disappointed. Objectives: This study investigates the extent to which clinical clerks at the University of Toronto are taught to collaborate with patient services based outside of the hospital and/or physician's office, and their attitudes towards this form of collaboration. Methods: Data were compiled using a 25-item questionnaire that was distributed to 240 clerks. Results: A total of 179 clerks completed the questionnaire (a 75% response rate). A majority of responding clerks (87%) felt that involving community resources in patient care was important. Only 56% believed their teachers shared this sentiment. Clerks reported receiving little training regarding collaborating with community resources; yet, almost half (46%) felt competent finding community services for their patients when appropriate. Conclusion: While it is encouraging that a new generation of clerks appreciates the importance of community resources in patient care, given the influence of role-modeling it is concerning that a substantial number of clerks perceive their teachers as not sharing this value. It is also worrisome that clerks are receiving little training in an area of practice that is becoming fundamental to providing high-quality care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]