Program Overview

General Practice/Primary Care Program

The University of Limerick School of Medicine offers a comprehensive program in General Practice/Primary Care, designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of general practice.

Overview of the Program

The program is an 18-week clinical attachment, where students are placed with a GP tutor in a UL-affiliated teaching practice. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in general practice, allowing them to develop their clinical skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.

Teaching and Learning

The program includes formal teaching sessions, which take place at one of the School's regional teaching hubs on Wednesday mornings. These sessions consist of seminars and webinars delivered by invited speakers, as well as small group tutorials led by regional GP coordinators.

Assessment

Assessment of the program involves three domains, each contributing one-third to the overall score. Students must achieve a minimum of 50% in each of these domains to pass the program. The domains include:

• In-Training Assessment: completed by the student's clinical tutor on placement
• Knowledge of Health and Illness: a written exam comprising multiple choice questions and extended matching questions
• Long Case Clinical Exam: a final component where the student interviews and examines a patient and must then answer questions on their findings and diagnosis

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of general practice, including:

• Clinical attachment: 18 weeks with a GP tutor in a UL-affiliated teaching practice
• Formal teaching sessions: Wednesday mornings at one of the School's regional teaching hubs
• Small group tutorials: led by regional GP coordinators
• Self-directed learning: students are expected to engage in self-directed learning throughout the program

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in general practice, with many reporting high levels of job satisfaction and fulfillment. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• General practice
• Primary care
• Rural healthcare
• Community health

Research Opportunities

The program provides opportunities for students to engage in research projects, working with experienced researchers and clinicians to advance the field of general practice. Research areas include:

• Public health
• Primary healthcare
• Rural healthcare
• Community health

Testimonials

Graduates of the program have reported high levels of satisfaction with the program, citing the comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities as key strengths. One graduate noted, "The general practice placement was such a great opportunity to get to know patients and see the impact of management plans over time." Another graduate reported, "The program allowed me to live in the beautiful Irish countryside for 18 weeks, with weekends spent sightseeing and exploring the Atlantic Way, having world-renowned beaches as my backyard."