Evaluating the Current Status of Education in Family Physicians in Iranian Medical Schools

Family physicians in Iran suffer from lack of relevant knowledge, competencies, and skills. Improving the training program requires examining the currently provided education in the field of Family Physician. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of Family Physician’s Education and training in Iranian medical schools.

This cross-sectional study was conducted using mixed methods combining the elements of quantitative and qualitative research. Data was collected using both close-ended and open-ended author-made questionnaires. Participants in the study were all vice chancellors or heads of social and family departments of public and private Medical Sciences Universities and International Campuses in the country.

While studying general medicine, the conditions for students’ participation in the field of family medicine in most Medical Universities is not available, so that a maximum of 37% of medical universities in the internship course and at least 12% of universities in the clinical preparation course, have provided the opportunity for students to attend in this area. The lowest number of days dedicated to this program was during the basic sciences course, while the internship course dedicated the highest number of days. Also, qualitative results showed that challenges of the Family Physician’s training program are related to clinical education groups, comprehensive health centers, infrastructure, students, and Family Physician’s education curriculum. It is necessary to reform rules and regulations, structures, education, and motivation to overcome current challenges.

The results indicate that the education and training of family physicians in Iran face many challenges, and any planning to expand the current program without careful consideration and overcoming the challenges related to clinical education groups, comprehensive health centers, infrastructure, students, and curriculum, may lead to failure.