Clinical experience of a trainee in general practice

Abstract

A survey of one year's trainee clinical experience in a semi-rural teaching practice is reported.The trainee saw significantly more acute minor illness and significantly less chronic illness than a principal in general practice. He also saw less life-threatening illness, psychiatry, obstetrics, and gynaecology.The balance of clinical experience gained in the trainee year is questioned. Careful monitoring, and perhaps control of the trainee workload by trainer and trainee, could provide a more balanced clinical experience of general practice.