Internal review--a fruitful family practice evaluation tool.

In 1975 the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, initiated a system of internal review of its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. During the next six months each of the major teaching resources for the family practice component of the programs was visited by an inspection team. A detailed report with recommendations was prepared and received wide distribution. After this initial review, the internal medicine and pediatric components of the curriculum were evaluated. Again reports and recommendations were made. At the present time the surgical and psychiatric components of the program are being evaluated. This ongoing internal review has had several benefits including specific changes in programs, better organization, and a better understanding of the department and its goals. Some of the difficulties are the time and organization necessary for a valid and appropriate review.