Introducing management skills and issues in preventive medicine residency programs: a survey

A questionnaire survey of 60 accredited preventive medicine residency programs was conducted to determine the percentage of programs in which management training is undertaken and to identify the nature of such training. Forty eight of the 60 programs (80%) returned a completed questionnaire. Forty three of the 48 programs responding (90%) state that the teaching of management skills is a defined goal of their program. Ninety percent introduce management skills in the practicum year in an administration rotation or by providing opportunities to practice management skills in other rotations. Thirty five (73%) of responding programs present didactic sessions containing a focus on management issues, and academic year courses contain a focus on management skills or issues in 46 (96%). Considering the need for management training in preventive medicine careers, we are encouraged by these figures. However, although this survey determined the extent to which management training is undertaken and the reported content thereof, it did not attempt to evaluate the depth or effectiveness of this training. Therefore, we must continue to emphasize a longitudinal and multidimensional approach to management training during the residency years.