Moving to a three-year residency program may affect medical student interest in family medicine

The College of Family Physicians of Canada recommends extending family medicine residency programs from two to three years to prepare doctors for more complex cases. A University of Toronto professor says while this effort at curricular renewal is welcomed, concerns should be considered during the transition period. She says the move may affect medical student’s interest in family medicine and adds that data are lacking in regards to acceptability of or interest in pursuing a three-year family medicine residency. The Canadian Federation of Medical Students says it wasn’t consulted and doesn’t support a longer training program.