Preparedness of Internal Medicine and Family Practice Residents for Treating Common Conditions

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Residents in internal medicine (IM) and those in family practice (FP) are trained to provide primary care for adults, yet they have very different residency experiences. Internal medicine training was originally hospital based and emphasized acute care and pathophysiology of disease. More recently, IM training has included an increased emphasis on primary care.1,2 Family practice training, initiated in 1969, provides more experience in office-based ambulatory and long-term settings and focuses more on preventive and psychosocial aspects of care.1,3,4 In addition to primary care for adults, FP residency includes training in pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrical care. The different emphases in the 2 types of residencies may affect how internists and family physicians approach their adult patients. This may also influence their self-perceived preparedness to provide care for certain types of patients and treat their associated conditions.