Primary care residency training: the first five years

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Physician training for primary care delivery is a growing national priority.
• Residency training is a critical period for implementing educational changes to meet primary care demands.
• The Residency Program in Social Medicine at Montefiore was established in 1970 to address these needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structure and key components of a primary care residency program.
• To highlight innovative approaches in primary care physician training.
• To emphasize factors crucial for the success of primary care residency programs.

Main Methods:

• The program offers residency training for board eligibility in internal medicine, pediatrics, or family practice.
• A "pairing concept" ensures residents manage their own patient panels for continuity of care.
• Shared costs for resident salaries between hospital and ambulatory sites.

Main Results:

• The program provides comprehensive primary care training tailored to future practitioners.
• Key elements include curriculum design, faculty utilization, and site management.
• Resident recruitment, selection, and program management involvement are vital.

Conclusions:

• Successful primary care residency programs require specialized curricula and site designs.
• Resident continuity of care and active program involvement are essential for effective training.
• This model offers a framework for training future primary care practitioners.