Factors influencing the training of Comprehensive General Medicine residents in Ecuador

Abstract

Background: The training of Comprehensive General Medicine residents in Ecuador began in the academic year 2007-2008, as a continuation of the training program of doctors from several countries at the Latin American Medical School (ELAM) in Cuba. Methods: A development research, with a qualitative approach, was conducted with the aim of identifying the factors that influence the training of Comprehensive General Medicine residents at the Eloy Alfaro Eye Center in the Republic of Ecuador, from September 2009 to February 2010. The universe was made up of 20 residents and 3 teachers. The variables were: specialty, academic rank, time of residency, frequency of mentorship activity, among others. Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods were used. The information was obtained from the observation of the teaching process and interviews with teachers and residents. Results: The results were presented in absolute numbers and percentages; 100 % of teachers had an academic rank; the education at work was not performed on the environment intended for such training. The positive factors identified were: the teaching pyramid and the willingness of teachers.  The negative ones: the lack of rotation through the basic specialties and the fact that there was no population assigned. Conclusions: Positive and negative aspects were found, allowing the identification of strengths and weaknesses in order to take on the task set by the internationalist collaboration that the Cuban people develops, particularly in such a sensible area as health care.