Tel Aviv University Postgraduate Training Program for overseas physicians: A decade of experience, 1989-99

Background: Training of overseas physicians is a challenging mission of potential mutual benefit to the trainees and their hosts. Back in 1989, a 3 month individual clinical training program was established by the Tel Aviv University in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is conducted through the affiliated medical institute. An informative brochure is available at Israeli embassies worldwide. A meticulous recruitment process, extensive follow-up procedures, and the offering of incentives to the host department tutors are integral features of the program. Objective: Upon the programs' tenth anniversary, we aimed to evaluate the 3 month training scheme from the perspective of our graduates. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to all the physicians, who had graduated at least 6 months previously, in order to evaluate the program and their level of satisfaction. Results: Of the 639 physicians, 398 (62%) responded. The theoretical level of the program was rated as 'good' by 48% and 'excellent' by 27% of the participants, and the practical level as 'good' by 40% and 'excellent' by 32%. Most (313, 82%) stated that this program contributed to their professional advancement. Conclusions: An international training program such as this can become an invaluable asset to local and overseas medical programs as well as for future collaborative projects, thereby contributing to the raising of medical practice standards in all participating countries.