Resident and program director perspectives on third-year family medicine programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Family Medicine Training
• Continuing Professional Development

Background:

• Postgraduate Year 3 (PGY3) programs in Family Medicine (FM) are evolving.
• Understanding the factors influencing demand and allocation of PGY3 positions is crucial.
• Assessing the impact of PGY3 training on graduates' professional activities is important for the FM training system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the views of FM program directors, coordinators, and residents on PGY3 demand and allocation.
• To explore the perceived effects of PGY3 programs on the professional activities of graduates.
• To inform the future development and structure of PGY3 FM training in Canada.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional surveys were administered to FM residents in Ontario and program directors/coordinators nationally.
• Key informant interviews were conducted with program directors, coordinators, residents, and stakeholders in Ontario.
• Data were collected via web-based surveys for residents and postal surveys for directors/coordinators, with interviews being audio-taped and transcribed.

Main Results:

• Respondents agreed on the need for flexible PGY3 training options of varied duration.
• Demand for PGY3 training is primarily driven by resident needs, with stable or increasing trends.
• Approximately one-third of core FM graduates should have PGY3 training opportunities, with merit playing a key role in selection.

Conclusions:

• PGY3 programs are likely to expand and become more integral to Canadian FM training.
• Flexible programs adaptable to educational, health system, and community needs are essential.
• Ensuring PGY3 graduates maintain links with the broader FM community is vital for ongoing professional development.