Preceptions of residents' working conditions in family medicine : a cross-sectional survey in Turkish academic training hospitals

Abstract

Family medicine (FM) has been recognized as a medical specialty in Turkey since 1984. [n 1985 the first residents in FM were accepted to teaching state hospitals and were educated for FM specialization. [n the nineties education for FM experienced an increase in residency places. [n 1995 alone approximately 300 residents were accepted for post- graduate training in FM. Besides university departments, 9 teaching hospitals in 4 larger cities (Istanbul, Ankara , [zmir and Adana) offer postgraduate education (1 ,2). According to the current curriculum in FM, residency lasts 3 years. [t consists of 5 main fields (Internal Medicine , Pediatrics, Gynecologyand Obstetrics, Psychiatry and General Surgery). On completion of the 3-year course and after passing the examination, the graduates are awarded a Specialist of FM title from the Ministry of Health. Most residents are trained in teaching hospitals of the Health Ministry. Despite a high educational demand in these institutions, no FM department has been established yet and no official position for FM training coordinator exists. The aim of this study is to record perceptions of trainees in FM about their working places and to determine needs for education.