Attitudes and valuations of medical residents about Preventive Medicine and Public Health specialist training

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study is to examine the attitudes and valuations of Spanish Preventive Medicine and Public Health medical residents of about their training process.
Method: Qualitative study by focal groups. Two focal groups of 6 medical residents belonging to 8 formative units were carried out, including a participant-moderator and an external observer.
Attitudes and perceptions of residents were structured in seven thematic areas (specialty choice motivations, expectations, places of rotation, Advanced Course in Public Health, problems of training, satisfaction and improvement areas). Discourse analysis organized in information in categories according to the length of discussion and coincidence of opinion among participants.
Results: The diversity of content of the speciality is an incentive and a source of satisfaction of the residents, but the profile of professional of the training plan is not aligned with the demands of the labor market. The necessity of  additional training in communication skills and more field work, lack of flexibility and remuneration inequalities were highlighted. Students mentioned as possible solutions increasing transparency and formative flexibility, as well as creating new agreements between training units and training devices and promoting fieldwork and research for action and change.
Conclusions: Although there is general satisfaction with the specialty, residents highlight relevant problems and areas that may help to improve the national training programs.