Evaluation of Family Medicine District Rotation, Orientation Program, for Medical Interns

Background Medical internship orientation programmes are essential for preparing novice doctors by enhancing their clinical skills and understanding of healthcare systems. In South Africa, the Family Medicine rotation was extended to six months to improve training in primary healthcare settings. This study evaluates the orientation programme introduced in 2021 for second-year medical interns in the Ekurhuleni Health District during their Family Medicine rotation. Method Using a cross-sectional survey design, end-of-orientation feedback was collected anonymously through Google Forms from 248 interns between September 2022 and November 2024, with 228 consenting participants included in the analysis. Quantitative data described participant demographics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results Out of 311 medical interns who rotated through the department, 248 completed the evaluation form, and 228 consented to include their data in the analysis. The proportion of females was 147 (64.47%), males 80 (35.09%), and 1 (0.43%) a gender-fluid individual. Participants’ ages ranged from 24 to 37 years, with a mean of 27 years. Nearly half of the interns, 105 (46.05%), were in the last two months of the Family Medicine Ekurhuleni Health District rotation. Mostly the major specialist rotations - Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Internal Medicine, and General Surgery - had some form of orientation. Key themes from the qualitative data included understanding Family Medicine and primary health care, holistic care, Family Medicine and specialist orientation programme contents, presentation quality, professional ethos and ethical practice, interns’ logbook as a learning tool, lifelong learning, and the role of Family Medicine in community care. Suggestions for improvement focused on technical infrastructure, orientation platforms, and additional practical content. The findings support continuing and enhancing a structured orientation programme to better prepare medical interns for effective clinical practice in primary health care settings. Conclusion Orientation for novice doctors is pivotal for a smooth transition from coached student to independent professional life.