Vocational training for general practice: a comparison of the views of trainees and teachers

The views of 89 vocational trainees were compared with those of 45 doctors concerned in schemes of vocational training for general practice. Both groups agreed over most points, except on the desirability of compulsory vocational training: 42 of the trainees thought this to be desirable compared with 35 of the teachers.The composite scheme favoured by both trainees and teachers offered an initial period in general practice together with an organized course of seminars throughout the training period. The subjects in which most considered hospital experience essential were paediatrics, general medicine, and obstetrics and gynaecology.