Final exams in family medicine in Croatia: theoretical framework and experience in implementation

Within the Project “Harmonisation of family medicine with EU standards introducing specialist training,“ a new curriculum was developed as well as a new specialist exam. The exam consists of two parts, preparatory and final. The preparatory part requires the trainee to collect the evidence of theoretical and practical learning outcomes in the form of assessment portfolio, provide the trainer’s report on the progress and assessment of professional competence and submit 8 written essays. In the final part, the trainee should pass a written exam (MCQ, EMQ) and objective structured clinical examination and take the oral exam in front of three-member examination committee. Until now, of 582 candidates who have applied for the exam, 84.4% have passed and 15.6% have to take parts of the exam again. Overall, 96.9% of the family medicine trainees have passed the exam. 

Key words:
education, medical, graduate; family practice; specialization