How we teach… key aspects of general practice using weekly seminars for GP trainees

This article reports the author's experience of designing, teaching and evaluating a weekly lunchtime seminar series for Family Medicine Programme trainees in Gippsland. After reviewing the objectives of the seminar series and characteristics of the participants, the article outlines the process and content of the course. Particular emphasis is given to seven seminars on key aspects of general practice/family medicine, which highlight the differences between the models, concepts and attitudes of specialists and teaching hospitals, and those of general practice. Results of evaluations of seminar series from the beginning of 1986 to the present time are reported and discussed. Overall, the seminar series has been found to be effective in helping trainees to develop an appropriate understanding of key aspects of general practice/family medicine; facilitating the transition for trainees from hospital practice to general practice; and in encouraging active participatory learning.