Family Physician Training Programs Worldwide: A Scoping Review of Criteria, Processes, and Challenges

Despite the global recognition of family medicine as a distinct discipline, standardized criteria and unified training approaches for family physicians remain lacking. This scoping review aims to synthesize international experiences in family physician education, focusing on admission criteria, training processes, and systemic challenges.

Following the 2020 JBI Manual, a rigorous nine-stage methodology was applied. Studies published in English and Persian from 1969 to 2023 were identified through a comprehensive search of six databases and gray literature. From 13,189 records, eligible studies were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's approach, and findings were structured into three overarching themes: admission criteria, training processes, and implementation challenges.

The analysis revealed substantial global heterogeneity in program design, community engagement, and governance. Key obstacles included insufficient community-based training, faculty shortages, and resource limitations. Programs varied widely in admission policies, curricula, and assessment methods.

The findings highlight the urgent need for flexible, competency-based educational frameworks adapted to local health system contexts, especially in low-resource settings. Strengthening primary care requires context-sensitive strategies, sustained investment, and the development of adaptable standards to reduce global disparities in family physician training and promote equitable, high-quality care.