Abstract:

Family Medicine was first adopted by both medical community and health authority of Taiwan in 1970s, and the Taiwan Association of Family Medicine was established in 1986. Since 2000, the projects of family physicians system as well as the integration of primary settings and hospitals have been on the way. In response to the demands of people in modern society, the Family Medicine education in Taiwan pays more attention to learners’ competence and professionalism to take care of patients and to solve their health problems. Problem or task-based learning, clinical skills training and examinations, education on behavior sciences and communication skills, and community rotations have been applied to trainees in order to provide a patient-centered and community-oriented holistic care. Family Medicine has been fully accepted as one of medical specialties based on its own academy and irreplaceable position in health care system. The characteristics of Family Medicine are not only its broader knowledge and skills, but also its unique philosophy and attitudes in taking care of patients and their families. It’s no doubt that the education and training of Family Medicine is the key factor for success.

Key words: Family Medicine, general practice, medical education, training program, Taiwan