Since 2002, ABC Health Foundation has run a yearly internship program for one graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana, Albania.  This 1.5 year training program focuses on the basics of primary care and the ethical/moral values in medicine.  Interns see patients under the supervision of one of the senior family physicians at the Health Center; participate in weekly teaching sessions of the internship program; help with and participate in other community health and training programs of the ABC Health Foundation.

The goals of the internship program are:

1. The understanding and application of the principles of family medicine and primary care.
2. The development of basic skills in consultation, physical examination, differential diagnosis and management of common presentations in primary care.
3. The development of the biblical mindset and character of a physician.

These are some of the areas covered during the internship program:

• The patient-doctor relationship (communication and history-taking skills)
• Physical exam skills
• Preparing a problem list
• Differential diagnosis and management of common presentations in family practice
• Principles of disease management and prescribing
• Referral letters and communications with other specialists
• Principles and basic skills of practice management
• Audit and quality of healthcare services
• Teaching methods
• Leadership development

The internship program starts every year in October (applications and interviews on August and September).