Conference Formats in Family Practice Residencies
Susan J. Hill, MD; Dennis J. Butler, PhD; Clare Guse, MS

Background: This study was intended to establish national baseline data of the current structure of conferences at family practice residencies and to determine if there are differences in conference formats among types of residencies.

Methods: An author-developed survey was mailed to 331 programs stratified by type and randomly selected. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and non-parametric tests.

Results: The response rate was 84%. The average time devoted to lectures was 4.5 hours a week, with the noon hour the most common time. Most speakers were from within the program, and community-based family physicians were rarely present. Structural changes were frequent.

Conclusions: Results indicate that a variety of formats are implemented for meeting Residency Review Committee requirements in the structure of family practice residencies’ conferences. Program settings do influence how conferences are structured. More research is needed on this neglected area of formal resident education.

(Fam Med 2000;32(6):417-21.)