Objectives: Traditional resident training programs in internal medicine have not focused on the health problems of communities, although many are located in underserved areas with cultural diversity. General internists in practice are well positioned to take active roles in the health of their communities. In order to better prepare internal medicine residents to become leaders in public health, we created an ambulatory curriculum that incorporates principles of community-oriented primary care (COPC) and cultural competency. Methods: Several focus groups were conducted with faculty and resident physicians to identify opportunities to include COPC and cultural competency into the current residency training program. We also gathered demographic information on our community to prioritize areas where interventions may be beneficial. Results: We designed a curriculum in ambulatory medicine that incorporates teaching of cultural competence through enhanced interactions with patients and community leaders in our continuity medical clinic. Core principles of public health and community-oriented primary care have been added to the lecture series for resident physicians on a two-year cycle. Longitudinal projects are being developed with the local school district, health bureau, nursing homes, and church groups to develop competency in COPC. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the curriculum will be undertaken on an on-going basis. Conclusions: Incorporating public health principles into an internal medicine residency program will prepare resident physicians to become leaders in the health of their communities. Ongoing assessment of the curriculum will enhance the teaching of these principles and improve the health of the communities that we serve.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant should be able to 1) recognize the importance of exposing internal medicine resident physicians to the principles and practice of public health; and 2) discuss methods to incorporate these principles into existing training programs, recognize and overcome barriers to implementation, and measure the effects of public health training on resident physicians and the communities served.
Keywords: Primary Care, Health Workers Training
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.