Training Physicians for Community-Oriented Primary Care in Latin America: Model Programs in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

Abstract: Under the rubries of preventive and social medicine, public health, and family arid community medicine, medical educators in Latin America have developed programs to train physicians for community-oriented health care (COPC). The historical background for such programs in Latin America is reviewed. Three relevant examples of programs in Mexico. Nicaragua, and Costa Rica are highlighted, drawing on the author's direct experience with and in these faculties. The paper addresses the relation between these programs, and national and regional trends in education and services. (Am J Public Health 1987:77:485-490.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]