Attitudes and patterns of practice: a comparison of graduates of a residency program in family medicine and controls.

Two groups of graduates of the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Medicine were compared. The study group had satisfactorily completed a two-year residency program in family medicine at the University, commencing at graduation from medical school; the controls had completed a one-year internship after graduation, but had not pursued specific residency training in family medicine. Both groups were engaged in family practice in Ontario at the time of the study. As predicted, the groups differed in their attitudes; the graduates were more satisfied with practice than the controls and placed more importance on emotional factors in illness. Anticipated differences in patterns of care provided were also found. Family medicine graduates of conducted proportionately more noninstitutional care. The findings were not generalized beyond the one program. The advantages and limitations of program evaluation through studies of graduates are discussed.