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A total of 330 preclinical and clinical medical students and house officers at St Mary's Hospital were surveyed by questionnaire to assess their knowledge and experience of inner city deprivation and health, and their opinions on the role of the doctor in responding to these problems. The response rate was 87%. Over 75% of the respondents had had no experience of inner city living conditions before coming to medical school, and they gained little experience during the medical course until well into the clinical years. Most preclinical students wanted more contact with the community early in the course; less than one-third of the clinical students wanted this. The differences in knowledge and attitudes between the year groups are discussed and possible reorientation in medical education is considered.