International Exchange Programs Influence the Personal and Professinonal Developement of young General Practitioners Positively

Abstract

Objective: Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM) is the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) working group for European new and future General Practitioners (GPs). VdGM gives the opportunity to young GPs to observe healthcare systems in different countries by organizing exchange programs. VdGM Preconference 2015 Exchange Program was organized in Istanbul in Turkey. Aim of this study was to assess expectations of the participants and their experiences from the program and it's impact on their lives. Methods: This is a qualitative study. Data was acquired by a questionnaire including multiple choice and open ended questions by face-to-face method. Analysis was done using thematic analyze technique. Results: Nine female and 8 male, seventeen people was included in this study. Fifty two point nine percent (n:9) of participants were residents and % 47.1 (n: 8) of them were specialists in family medicine. Fifty eight point eight percent (n: 10) of the participants were experienced at least one difficulty while participating to this program. There was no difference between the groups who had difficulties and no difficulties in terms of gender, being resident or specialist, being a host in a previous program or not (p>0.05). All participants achieved their personal and professional goals including cultural experience, making friends, making international contact and learning health systems. Eighty two point three percent (n: 14) of the participants stated that program influenced their personal development positively. Conclusion: This study shows the personal and professional benefits of an exchange program and reveals the shortcomings of the program and the difficulties experienced during the program.