Family Medicine Residency: Does it Make a Difference?

The Canadian Medical Association instituted a Task Force on Primary Care to investigate methods of training for family practice, as a result of a debate at their 1981 General Council meeting in Halifax. The fact that this debate took place shows the continuing controversy over how family physicians should be trained for their role in the health care system. Since 50% of Canada's medical graduates are involved in this controversy, it is unfortunate if confusion exists. Potential residents are often concerned about the emphasis placed on psychosocial skills, and about the volume of practice in family practice units. Both of these concerns show a lack of knowledge about the true nature of family practice, which is very different from in-hospital training. Graduates should be encouraged to make their career choices based on quality of training, not eligibility to sit the CFPC's certification examination in family medicine.