Introducing Family Medicine to undergraduate medical students: an early clinical exposure through an elective activity at Humanitas University in Milan

Luigi Bracchitta, Sara Rigon, Francesco Pesce, Matteo Michele Andreoli, Isabella Barajon, Giuseppe Parisi

Keywords: Family Practice, Primary Health Care, Undergraduate Education, Early Clinical Exposure

Background:

In Italy, undergraduate Medical school programs focus primarily on secondary care, with limited exposure to primary care. At Humanitas University, an elective activity has been proposed to second-year students in order to provide them with an Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) to family medicine (FM) and improve their understanding of its role within the health system and as an career opportunity.

Research questions:

Can ECE to family medicine at second year of undergraduate studies improve students knowledges and perception on general practice and have an impact on career choices.

Method:

The elective consisted of 4 lectures for a total of 8 hours focused on FM and a 50 hours internship at local General Practicioner (GP) practices. The impact of the elective course was assessed through surveys which investigated students’ perception and knowledge of GP role and family medicine as a potential career choice. Surveys were administered before, during and after the activity to all the 11 students who participated to the elective.

Results:

The study showed a strong appreciation of the elective activity by students as well as GPs from the internship program, and this may represent an indirect measure of learning. Most of the students reported an improvement in their understanding of the role of family doctors, especially as key figures in the functioning of the health system and within their community. They acknowledged the special relationship citizens build with their GPs and its impact on people’s health. GPs reported the tutoring experience as positive and they showed interest in participating in similar events.

Conclusions:

Overall, the project has received a very positive response, improving students' perception of FM and inspiring tutors to be involved in medical education. Despite some concerns about the lack of clinical abilities, the second year of medical school has proven to be an adeguate learning setting to acquire FM knowledge.

Points for discussion:

Family Practice

Undergraduate Education

Early Clinical Exposure

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