The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the demands on physicians. Addressing the growing concerns around physician shortages, especially in primary care, requires innovative solutions. Dr. Leonard Glass, a former professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine, recognized this critical need and initiated a transformative approach. In 2010, he laid the groundwork for Physician Retraining & Reentry (PRR), an online educational program developed in collaboration with UC San Diego School of Medicine faculty. This program is specifically designed to bolster the healthcare workforce by offering robust physician retraining programs focused on primary care.
Who Benefits from Physician Retraining in Primary Care?
The PRR program is uniquely positioned to assist medically licensed physicians from diverse backgrounds seeking to transition or re-enter adult outpatient primary care. This includes:
- Specialist Physicians Transitioning to General Medicine: For specialists looking to shift their focus, PRR provides a pathway to general medicine, equipping them with the necessary primary care skills.
- Physicians Returning After Leave: Physicians who have taken a career break and are ready to return to practice will find PRR an invaluable resource to refresh and update their medical knowledge for primary care settings.
- Retired Physicians Re-entering the Field: Retirees interested in contributing to healthcare again can utilize PRR to confidently re-enter the medical field in a primary care capacity.
- Physicians Transitioning to Part-Time Roles: For those nearing retirement or seeking a better work-life balance, PRR facilitates a smooth transition to part-time primary care practice.
- Surgeons Adapting to New Roles: Surgeons facing physical limitations that prevent them from continuing surgery can leverage their diagnostic and treatment skills in primary care after completing the PRR program.
Understanding the Structure of Physician Retraining Programs
PRR’s comprehensive physician retraining program is delivered through 16 online modules. These modules cover a broad spectrum of essential topics relevant to primary care, ranging from cardiology and dermatology to medical records management and telehealth practices. The self-paced nature of the program allows participants to thoroughly engage with each module, ensuring mastery of the material before proceeding. The curriculum culminates in a final examination and a one-day, in-person practicum, providing hands-on experience. The estimated completion time for the PRR program is 180 hours. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded 180 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from the UC San Diego School of Medicine, alongside a Certificate of Completion from PRR, signifying their readiness for primary care practice.
Career Pathways After Physician Retraining in Primary Care
Graduates of physician retraining programs like PRR find themselves well-prepared for a variety of impactful career opportunities within primary care. Potential employment settings include:
- Federally Funded Community Clinics: Serving underserved populations in community health centers.
- Collegiate and Industrial Clinics: Providing healthcare services in university and corporate environments.
- Emerging Chain Store Clinics: Joining retail-based healthcare clinics, expanding access to primary care.
- Hospital Group Clinics: Integrating into established hospital-affiliated primary care networks.
- VA/Military Clinics: Contributing to the healthcare of veterans and military personnel.
Streamlined Board Certification Through Physician Retraining Programs
The American Academy of General Physicians (AAGP), established in 1995 to champion general practitioners, recognizes the rigor and comprehensiveness of the PRR program. Completion of PRR qualifies physicians for AAGP board certification eligibility, significantly streamlining the certification process. PRR graduates are able to bypass the initial phase of the AAGP’s two-part exam, accelerating their path to achieving general physician board certification. This board certification is often a key requirement for securing positions and hospital privileges, making PRR a strategic investment in career advancement for physicians transitioning into primary care.
