Residents as teachers: survey of Canadian family medicine residents

To examine Canadian family medicine residents' perspectives surrounding teaching opportunities and mentorship in teaching.

A 16-question online survey.

Canadian family medicine residency programs.

Between May and June 2011, all first- and second-year family medicine residents registered in 1 of the 17 Canadian residency programs as of September 2010 were invited to participate. A total of 568 of 2266 residents responded.

Demographic characteristics, teaching opportunities during residency, and resident perceptions about teaching.

A total of 77.7% of family medicine residents indicated that they were either interested or highly interested in teaching as part of their future careers, and 78.9% of family medicine residents had had opportunities to teach in various settings. However, only 60.1% of respondents were aware of programs within residency intended to support residents as teachers, and 33.0% of residents had been observed during teaching encounters.

It appears that most Canadian family medicine residents have the opportunity to teach during their residency training. Many are interested in integrating teaching as part of their future career goals. Family medicine residencies should strongly consider programs to support and further develop resident teaching skills.