title: [Strategy of specialization in family medicine in the Mexican Institute of Social Security].
abstract: The main characteristics of the specialization course in Family Medicine given at the IMSS since March 2002 are described. We show the epistemological and methodological principles that support the plan of studies. The most important are a closer relationship between theory and practice, the development of clinical aptitudes through the study of problematic clinical cases, and methodological aptitudes such as the development of critical reading of theoretical texts and bibliographic and operative research. This continuing education strategy not only lowers the costs of formal education but also contributes to increasing the quality of medical care given at the first level family medical units.
authors.affiliation: División de Programas Educativos, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. victor.chavez@imss.gob.mx
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chávez Aguilar
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes; D003479:Curriculum; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D008800:Mexico