Italy Overview

General Practice in Italy plays a key role in the National Health System, as the GP is usually the first contact person for every citizen. Everybody can freely choose their own GP and get medical care free of charge, as general practice is part of the National Health System established in 1978 and funded by general taxation.

The GP can assess the global needs (medical, non-medical) of the person in his own context, assuring prevention, follow-up and the continuity of care. Patients are referred to specialists and hospitals in selected cases. Paediatricians look after children with an age up to 12 years. In Italian family medicine the relationship between doctors and patients is not just professional but also personal and friendly, lasting usually many years. At present a large majority of GPs work in single-handed practices, however in the last few years the number of group practices with supporting staff has been growing quickly. Every GP manages an average of 1200-1300 patients, 1500 is the maximum in their list. MEDICAL EDUCATION AND GP VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The basic medical education in Italy is 6 years.
Only few medical schools have Family Medicine in their programmes and just recently one month of GP training after graduation became compulsory to get the license to practice.

The GP vocational training in Italy is three years and it is mandatory to work as fulltime GP.

Each Region is in charge of organizing and managing the training as following:

- 1 year of training in one or more teaching GP practice

- 1 1/2 year of internship in hospital approved posts (6 months internal medicine, 3 months A&E, 2 months obs & gyn, 4 months paediatrics, 3 months surgery)

- 6 months in health services outside the hospital

One third of total amount of training hours is dedicated to lectures and research.

WHY HIPPOKRATES IN ITALY?

Family Medicine in Italy is undergoing a historical reform both organisationally and scientifically, why our country is becoming more and more interesting for GP trainees.

The Hippokrates project can play an important role in this process helping cultural exchange within Italy and the European Countries.

And last but not least Italy is a wonderful country: shall we talk about cities, landscapes, fine art, beaches?

So come on over and join us!

 

National Exchange Coordinator for Italy:

Dr David Fasoletti (david.fasoletti@libero.it)