Graduate follow-up in the University of Wisconsin family practice residency programs

Between June 30, 1973, and June 30, 1980, 100 family physicians completed their family practice residency training at the University of Wisconsin Medical School. Ninety-seven graduates completed an extensive 13-page mail survey. The primary purposes of the study were to measure the adequacy of the graduate's residency training program and to determine how well the graduates have done as family physicians. A majority of respondents considered themselves adequately prepared in most areas listed with a few noticeable exceptions. For example, 50 percent or more felt underprepared in fracture care, emergency surgery, and applying forceps for vaginal deliveries. For selected administrative and financial aspects of a practice, more than 60 percent felt underprepared. In general, the graduates were satisfied with the potential for practice growth as well as their current level of income. Regarding hospital privileges, between 85 and 93 percent of the graduates were very satisfied with the availability and extent of their privileges. Finally, all 100 graduates are board certified in family practice and at this writing none have changed into another specialty or intend to do so in the foreseeable future.