Minding the gap: training in adolescent medicine when formal training programmes are not available

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Medical Education
• Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Growing demand for specialized adolescent healthcare knowledge among medical professionals.
• Limited formal training curricula in adolescent medicine globally, primarily in the US, Canada, and Australia.
• Need for scalable models to train healthcare providers in adolescent health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe Israel's experience in developing an infrastructure for physician training in adolescent medicine.
• To present a model for establishing multidisciplinary adolescent health services and training programs.
• To highlight the successful creation of a cadre of physicians skilled in adolescent healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Development of hospital-based and community-based multidisciplinary adolescent health services.
• Implementation of a 3-year diploma course in adolescent medicine.
• Introduction of a simulated patient-based program focused on communication with adolescents.

Main Results:

• Establishment of a robust infrastructure for adolescent medicine training within one decade.
• Creation of physicians capable of managing adolescent clinics and educating others in adolescent medicine.
• Recent approval of a formal fellowship training program by the Israel Medical Association's Scientific Council.

Conclusions:

• Israel has successfully built a comprehensive system for training physicians in adolescent medicine.
• The developed model provides a transferable framework for countries lacking formal adolescent health training programs.
• This initiative addresses the critical need for enhanced expertise in adolescent healthcare delivery.