From Passive Gatekeeper to Quarterback: Evolving Perceptions of Primary Care Among Medical Students in Longitudinal Outpatient Clerkships

[Characteristics of the new internal resident physicians from Madrid Region, their opinions regarding family and community medicine]

AIM

To evaluate the opinions of the new internal resident physicians (IRP) on family and community medicine (FCM) and professional and personal issues.

METHODS

Anonymous survey of 837 new IRPs in the Madrid Region.

RESULTS

Mean age was 25.6±3.5 years, 525 (62.7%) had a specific subject of FCM during medical school, 799 (95.5%) did FCM practices during their medical degree, and 606 (72.4%) considered relevant to be some months in FCM during their medical residence. Only 103 (12.3%) consider becoming parents during residency, 416 (49.7%) have suffered from anxiety, 99 (11.8%) from depression, and 19 (2.3%) had previous suicidal thoughts. Although 638 (76.2%) have received training in ethical decisions, 345 (41.2%) did not know how to implement these decisions, 120 (14.3%) had studied artificial intelligence and 744 (88.9%) have a positive view of the College of Physicians. CONCLUSIóN: Most new medical residents of Madrid consider a Primary Care rotation relevant during their training, but only 63% have completed specific training in FCM as an undergraduate. A total of 12% reported previous depression and half anxiety.