Rapid technological changes coupled with new research findings mean educators must anticipate new trends and think differently about how they train future doctors and keep current family doctors up-to-date on new developments. The University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine offers a wide range of educational opportunities to support the current and the next generation of family doctors.
How to become a family doctor All medical students at the University of Toronto receive family medicine training throughout their four-year degree. After medical school, graduates who choose the specialty of family medicine are then required to complete two additional years of postgraduate training to be certified as family doctors. Over the two years, each resident is assigned to an academic teaching hospital or clinic where their main training is based, and where they work with family medicine teachers. They also complete training in general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynaecology, psychiatry, palliative care, and emergency medicine, as well as electives of their choice. Residents are also required to complete research and quality improvement projects. Our residents also have opportunities to train in a variety of different environments, from large urban hospitals to community-based practices in smaller towns and rural and remote villages. After graduation, many residents are inspired to practice in smaller communities, where family doctors are particularly needed.
At the end of their training, residents must complete a certification examination to evaluate their competence to practice as a family medicine doctor. Upon completion, the resident will be awarded a Certification in The College of Family Physicians of Canada. Family doctors in Canada must continue to participate in professional development and education throughout their career to keep their certification in good standing. While family medicine residents are ready to begin practicing family medicine after two years of residency training, some elect to undertake an additional third year of training known as enhanced skills training. This additional training helps graduates provide continuing care in a specific area of medicine, including: emergency medicine, palliative care, maternity care and care of the elderly. Many graduates of these programs continue to practice family medicine while acting as a resource to their patients and colleagues in their area of enhanced training. 9