[International postgraduate training program in medicine: survey of 13 training courses, 1988-1994]

In 1988 an International Postgraduate Training Program in Medicine was established as a joint venture of the Tel Aviv University School of Continuing Medical Education and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Division of International Cooperation. During 1988-1994, 359 physicians participated. A survey of 271 graduates was carried out within 1-5 years following the completion of training, and 57% responded to our questionnaire. The program fulfilled the academic expectations of 78% of the trainees, and the practical clinical expectations of 80%. 95% graded the program as good-to-excellent from the sociocultural aspect. 75% and 67.5% of the trainees graded the program as good-to-excellent with regard to improvement in their theoretical and practical skills, respectively. Regretfully, only 45% have continued their ties with the host departments and only 11% have carried out joint research projects. These results imply that further attention should be paid to the trainees' real-time input, in order to increase satisfaction. Personal tutors should be nominated in each department, and should be adequately compensated. More emphasis should be given to initiation of bilateral research projects and maintenance of professional ties between the trainees and their host departments.