How we teach ... key aspects of general practice using weekly seminars for GP trainees

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training
• Family Medicine

Background:

• The transition from hospital-based training to general practice requires specific educational support.
• Family Medicine Programme trainees need to understand the unique aspects of general practice compared to specialist hospital settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, teach, and evaluate a seminar series for Family Medicine Programme trainees.
• To enhance trainees' understanding of general practice/family medicine principles.
• To facilitate the transition from hospital to general practice.

Main Methods:

• A weekly lunchtime seminar series was developed and delivered.
• Course content focused on key aspects differentiating general practice from specialist/hospital models.
• Participant evaluations were conducted from 1986 to the present.

Main Results:

• The seminar series proved effective in improving trainees' grasp of general practice concepts.
• The program successfully aided trainees in transitioning from hospital to general practice environments.
• Active, participatory learning methods were encouraged and found beneficial.

Conclusions:

• The designed seminar series is an effective educational tool for Family Medicine trainees.
• The curriculum successfully bridges the gap between hospital-based knowledge and general practice realities.
• The approach fosters a deeper understanding and smoother integration into general practice.