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Medical Center - University of Freiburg, the medical profession in private practice and the South Baden District Medical Association enter into cooperation for advanced training in general medicine / Structured advanced training should lead to more GPs in

It is an important step towards good GP care in Freiburg and the neighboring districts: On June 28, 2023, the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, the South Baden District Medical Association and 10 GP practices in the region founded a training association for specialist training in general medicine. The training association offers participating physicians advanced training from a single source with numerous advantages: university quality in specialist training, a clear structure from the outset, support in the rotation of training positions and the possibility of part-time training. At the same time, medical mentors are available to answer questions and provide support during advanced training. The network is embedded in the Baden-Württemberg Competence Center for Advanced Training (KWBW).

"We can only provide good care to patients in the region if we work together: as a maximum care provider, we rely on a close network of physicians in private practice. This can also be achieved in the future with the training alliance. Above all, our patients will benefit from this," says Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Officer of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

Plannability and compatibility of family and career

In the five-year advanced training in general medicine, doctors acquire important theoretical and practical knowledge after completing their studies in order to subsequently work as a general practitioner in private practice. The various stages of advanced training include clinical and outpatient stations.

"With the training network, we are creating important foundations for the next generation of general practitioners and are also focusing on a good work-life balance. At the same time, physicians in advanced training in general medicine benefit from the academic connection to the Medical Center - University of Freiburg and there are opportunities to participate in teaching and research through the Institute of General Medicine as part of the network's advanced training," says Prof. Dr. Andy Maun, Head of the Institute of General Medicine at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "We also know that Specialists in general medicine are very likely to settle near their last training stations. That's why training alliances are a good way of preventing GP shortages, especially in rural areas," says Maun.

With the initiative to establish the General Practice Training Network, the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is also underlining its special role in the further development of the subject and is acknowledging its role as a regional care center that goes beyond the scientific obligations of the Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Paula Hezler-Rusch, President of the South Baden District Medical Association, underlines the importance of the initiative: "Cooperative and coordinated structures improve the quality of medical care. Cooperation between inpatient and outpatient advanced training combined with a structured advanced training curriculum strengthens care. They help to reduce interface problems."

The physicians in private practice have all completed several years of clinical inpatient further training and are aware of the importance of close cooperation and structured advanced training for the quality of medical care and for recruiting new talent in practices.

"According to the Medical Professions Chamber Act, the South Baden District Medical Association is the responsible public body for the administrative district of Freiburg for the approval of further training facilities, the granting of authorizations as well as for the acceptance of examinations and the recognition of medical further training designations. For these reasons, we strongly support collaborative further training."

Picture caption: The partners of the university training network for general practice are delighted with the official launch
Image source: Medical Center - University of Freiburg