Head of the study: Prof. Ines Diminić-Lisica, MD, PhD
E-mail: ines.diminic.lisica@medri.uniri.hr
The fundamental reason for launching this study is that there is a significantly larger number of family medicine specialists in the EU countries than in Croatia, which is the reason for the growing need for the education of general practitioners specialising in family medicine. The demands of our public, primarily private, sector in Health Centres are very high. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rijeka has the Department of Family Medicine with educated teachers who are able to facilitate the acquisition of skills, competencies and knowledge for future family medicine specialists and provide them with the latest scientific discoveries. The study lasts two semesters, and the student acquires 60 ECTS credits at the end of the study.
Upon completion of the study, the participant acquires specific competencies by adopting the theoretical and practical bases for scientific research and monitoring of health and disease based on the concept of unique medicine and continuous protection of individuals and families. The student is able to analyse contemporary health issues and define the scope of facts, methods and problems dealt with by general practitioners, especially the epidemiological, dispensary and outpatient methods of work. During their study, the student adopts the methods for analysing the population’s health status and selecting health interventions and practices these techniques in their scope of work without separating health problems from occupational, familial, psychological and social issues. Also, thanks to this study programme, the student acquires the general competencies in planning, coordinating and evaluating the population’s health care, connects all elements of the health system with it, and develops the ability of continuous horizontal and vertical communication and teamwork. The student also acquires knowledge about health care economics and the ability to independently and continuously participate in professional training.
Upon completion of the study and the obligations imposed by the specialisation, the student acquires the title of family medicine specialist. Besides passing all courses, the student is obligated to complete the practical part of the specialisation stipulated by the Act on Health Care. Apart from the diploma certificate after completion of the specialist study, the participant does not acquire a particular academic title.