The Generation in Between: A Perspective from the Keystone IV Conference

Area of Science:

• Family Medicine
• Medical Education
• Physician Professional Development

Background:

• The Keystone IV conference aimed to explore the evolving landscape of family medicine.
• Physician generations hold diverse perspectives shaped by their training and practice environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the varied impressions and lessons derived from the Keystone IV conference across different physician generations.
• To understand the specific challenges and insights of "Generation III" family physicians.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of participant reflections from the Keystone IV conference.
• Focus on the experiences and perceptions of "Generation III" family physicians, situated between Baby Boomers and Millennials.

Main Results:

• Keystone IV reinforced the importance of relationships in family medicine.
• "Generation III" physicians reported a disconnect between the ideal of family medicine and current practice realities.
• This generation also gained an appreciation for core values, shared experiences, and emerging leadership roles.

Conclusions:

• Physician generational cohorts interpret shared experiences, like the Keystone conference, uniquely.
• "Generation III" family physicians face practice-related conflicts but find value in core principles and future leadership potential.
• Addressing the gap between professional ideals and practice realities is crucial for sustaining family medicine.