Traditional vs. flexible programmes: training in family and community medicine

The aims of this study were to gain an understanding of the concerns of those in control in Canadian Family Medicine, and to gain an understanding of the experiences of trainees in the traditional postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) and in a flexible PGY-2 at the University of Toronto (U of T) Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) in 1994. Qualitative methodology was used in the study to find out the feelings and experiences of these groups. It was found that national and departmental bodies in Family Medicine are concerned with competency and are open to trying different processes. Trainees in the flexible programme had a strong sense of control according to the study. They identified their educational needs, had confidence in their assessments, and spoke the language of continuous learning. Residency programmes need to be flexible and trainee-centred.