Abstract Body

The health care system and its patients deserve a strong and well-trained GP/FM workforce. The pandemic is weighing heavily on this workforce and their training. At all educational levels (BME, ST, CME), challenges arose.

Clearly, education must be better prepared for a pandemic, both as regards required competences and as regards learning- and assessment methods. People need to stay in touch with peers, teachers and trainers. Attention should be paid to the feeling of being overburdened. Trainees should be encouraged to take responsibility for learning processes. Finally, much attention must be paid to job satisfaction and well-being.

But no challenges without opportunities. Learning new competencies should be encouraged, e.g. pandemic-related competencies, organizational skills and teleconsulting. The development of a toolbox for learning/evaluation with new and creative tools can lead to revised curricula to prepare young GPs for a new future. Networks and collaborations should be broadened, so trainees and trainers feel to be supported. This empowerment makes people taking control of their own growth. Collaboration with public health and secondary care in training situations should be strengthened. Finally, the power of a strong learning environment with caring networks, a place for vulnerability and humanity is confirmed.

Despite this crisis, insights have been gained and the entire education system learns from the necessary changes. Attention to good practices will enable (European) countries to support each other. We must believe in new opportunities so that our current educational practices improve, our GP/FM workforce becomes stronger and patients get the care they deserve.