The quality of basic training in pharmacotherapy for undergraduate medical and paramedical students can significantly influence future prescribing. Rational pharmacotherapy training, linked to clinical guidelines and essential medicines lists, can help to establish good prescribing habits, Training is more successful if it is problem-based, concentrates on common clinical conditions, takes into account students' knowledge, attitudes and skills, and is targeted to the students' future prescribing requirements. The Guide to Good Prescribing describes the problem-based approach, which has been adopted in a number of medical schools.