[Examining in General Practice: Licensure Examinations in a General Practice Setting].

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice
• Health Professions Education

Context:

• General practitioners are the primary point of contact for most patients.
• The Master Plan for Medical Studies 2020 emphasizes strengthening general practice.
• Future medical education and examinations must reflect the central role of general practice.

Purpose:

• To introduce a new oral-practical examination format for medical graduates.
• To assess general medical and interdisciplinary competencies in an authentic outpatient setting.
• To align medical examinations with the evolving demands of primary healthcare.

Summary:

• A new standardized oral-practical examination has been developed by the Institute for Medical and Pharmaceutical Examination Questions (IMPP).
• This exam format utilizes real patients in general practices, integrating communication and clinical skills over eight steps.
• It was developed collaboratively, tested extensively, and requires significant participation from general practices nationwide.

Impact:

• The redesigned examination strengthens core competencies in medical interviewing, physical examination, outpatient treatment, prevention, and ethical/legal guideline application.
• It aims to enhance interdisciplinary and multi-professional cooperation within the healthcare system.
• Successful implementation requires political decisions regarding funding and the motivation of general practices to participate.