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BELGIUM

Basic Medical Education

The academic year started again. According to the "Bologna rules" we had to changes our educational programs into a more European bachelor and masters structure. Universities made networks whith higher training schools and brought the different educations programs more in line. There is a lot of competition between universities.

Vocational Training

We created a new inter-university program of “master in family medicine” which is the new name for the same educational project. The “highest board” advising the minister of health again confirmed the option to go for a 6+3 program in family medicine, adapted to the European regulations for the 3 year scheme that has to start in 2003.

The last few months were very difficult. To enhance the quality our teaching posts, we decided to limit our training posts based on their “educational value”. We asked all teaching practice to apply for an educational link to the university program. We ranked them, and appointed only the 300 highest in rank. There was a lot of aggressivity from those who were not appointed. It gave a negative atmosphere from universities towards the profession.

The option for electronic distance learning was further developed. After the successful start of the “training in urgent medicine”, now three new programs were developed. A training in suicide prevention, in general prevention and in young infant care will start this year. The last one is an impressive training program over almost half a year, and is offered to general practice trainees as well as to doctors in training for preventive care for school children and young adults.

Health Care

Big discussions on the healthcare budget for next year. The last two years we had an important increase of the national budget from with twenty percent in total, and now medicine asks for another 8 to 9% growth. We are anxiously waiting if there is room for all the promises that have been made towards General Practice developments.