[Transition from postgraduate training to independent practice : can we do better ?]

Transition from postgraduate training to independent practice in primary care can be experienced as very stressful. This may be partly explained by the fact that in Switzerland, only six months training in ambulatory medicine are required as part of a five year training for the title of primary care physician. This seems largely insufficient given the diversity of tasks and skills to master. This article aims to make junior doctors aware of the medical and non medical skills they should acquire before entering in primary care independent practice (practice management, insurance, medico-legal issues). The authors formulate a step by step approach based on their experience as those of other colleagues in order to facilitate such transition.