@article{10.22454/FamMed.2019.329090,
author = {Lian, Siqing and Chen, Qi and Yao, Mi and Chi, Chunhua and Fetters, Michael D.},
title = {Training Pathways to Working as a General Practitioner in China},
journal = {Family Medicine},
volume = {51},
number = {3},
year = {2019},
month = {3},
pages = {262-270},
doi = {10.22454/FamMed.2019.329090},
abstract = {Background and Objectives: To achieve the goal of 300,000 general practitioners by 2020—an increase of 215,200 in a decade—China is utilizing multiple training pathways. To comprehensively illustrate general practitioner training strategies in China, this article introduces and describes these pathways.
Methods: We used descriptive policy analysis. This involved taking an inventory of existing literature and source documents and developing a model to illustrate pathways for training general practice physicians.
Results: The rural doctor pathway represents rural clinicians who had only basic training and practiced multiple years prior to training reforms. The 3+2 pathway to assistant general practitioners requires 3 years of junior college and 2 years of clinical training. The transfer pathway for current physicians requires 1-2 years of training. The 5+3 pathway comprises 5 years of bachelor of science degree training in clinical medicine and 3 years of standardized residency training. Despite the development of advanced degree programs, their use remains limited.
Conclusions: These pathways illustrate significant heterogeneity in training of general practitioners. Training ranges from a 2-year technical degree to a doctorate with research. Emphasis on the 5+3 track shows promise for China’s goals of improved quality and new goal of 500,000 additional general practitioners by 2030.},
URL = {https://journals.stfm.org//familymedicine/2019/march/fetters-2018-0101/},
eprint = {https://journals.stfm.org//media/2178/fetters-2018-0101.pdf},
}