[International family medicine certification exam in Venezuela: the physician's experience].
OBJECTIVE
To present opinions of physicians participating in a pilot certification exam in the specialty of Family Medicine implemented in Venezuela, in December 2004, by the Mexican Board of Certification of Family Medicine A.C.


METHODS
Descriptive, transversal.


METHODS
Participant physicians (n:37) completed semi-structured questionnaries: one or two weeks before the exam, and immediately after it.


RESULTS
60% of participants were 41-50 years old and 80% women. All of them were practicing physicians; 49% had 5-10 year experience in family medicine. Main motivation to participate in the exam: the need for continuing learning (83%). Results showed their participation motivated continuing education (46%). Books were the most frequently utilized resource when preparing for the exam (54%). 94% were willing to take the exam again in the future, and all would recommend it to their colleagues. 49% said that examination should be taken every 3-4 years and should be voluntary (54%). 86% considered the content of the exam pertinent to their practice while 54% mentioned it was well adapted to their country's reality. Time for the exam was enough according to 71%, and number of questions was considered excessive by 89%. After the exam, 43% estimated to have personal prognosis for excellent or good outcomes. CONCLUSIONS. The international examination was satisfactory, stimulated desires of update, and the participants would repeat and recommend it in the future. The Mexican experience offers an example to put into practice, and the international collaboration would be a valid option to extend the certification processes in Latin America.
Ledesma-Solaeche
Flor Maria
FM
Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela. flormaria_ve@yahoo.com
Romero
Nerio Enrique
NE
Atencio
Carlos Miguel
CM
Pineda
Francisco
F
Fernández
Miguel Angel
MA
D000328:Adult; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014687:Venezuela