Competency of medical students in general practice procedural skills

A self-reported competency survey of 1988 sixth year medical students in Queensland revealed that only 2 of 47 procedural skills considered essential for general practice had been performed alone by 80 per cent or more of students. Six of the essential skills had not been performed by more than 80 per cent of students. Consideration needs to be given to the content and effectiveness of undergraduate general practice procedural skills training.