G.P. training lacking—survey

Press, 25 June 1983, Page 8

G.P. training lacking—survey

Lack of general practice training was one short coming seen by Christchurch medical students, according to a survey published in the latest issue of the "New Zealand Medical Journal.” The Dean of the Christchurch Clinical School of Medicine, Professor J. D. Hunter, said that some changes had been made since the 1980 survey of first and second year house surgeons who had trained at the school. These included more emphasis on general practice. Only 26 per cent of those surveyed felt that their clinical training was enough for a career as a general practitioner. Most said the

course was better suited to traditional specialties and 82 per cent felt they had not seen enough of the common problems that brought patients to their family docIllness apparently had no significant effect on their work, but women graduates recorded greater levels of depression and fatigue, and lower levels of self-worth. Professor Hunter said clinical school staff must be aware of the problem, particularly what happened to women doctors after they graduated. The number of female medical students in classes had risen from 36 p.c. to 50 p.c. during the last few years.