A survey of resident orientation in family practice residency programs

A questionnaire about orientations was mailed to all family practice residency program directors in the United States. One hundred percent of respondents indicated their residency had an orientation, ranging from less than one day to more than two weeks. More than 85% of the residencies had limited or no patient care involvement during orientation. Important orientation goals were to meet faculty, staff, and residents and to develop camaraderie. Most residencies evaluated their orientations. There were several significant differences in orientation programs based on characteristics of the residencies.