Hippokrates is a European exchange programme for Medical Doctors specializing in General Practice/Family Medicine supported by WONCA Region Europe-the European Society of General Practice/Family Medicine through EURACT-the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice.

The aim of the programme is to encourage exchange and mobility among young Medical Doctors in the course of their professional formation as General Practitioners providing a broader perspective to the concepts of Family Medicine at both professional and personal levels.

The participants of the programme will acquire insight of the context of General Practice in the Primary Health Care of the European Countries gaining knowledge that will inspire to take an active part in the development of European Family Medicine as well scientifically as structurally.

Furthermore the programme will enhance the collaboration among the National Societies of General Practice/Family Medicine and recruit young professionals to these important tasks.

At the individual level the acquisitions are numerous: an international experience in a vocational setting, improving knowledge and skills, inspirational introduction to methods of professional development for lifelong learning, improving language skills, creating new friendships.

Structure

Hippokrates was launched at the 6th European Conference on General Practice & Family Doctors in Vienna, Austria July 2-6, 2000.

In the pilot phase of the programme there were 5 participating countries:
Czech Republic, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom

But since the introduction new participating countries have joined and more are still joining as the programme expands.

In each country the programme is based in the National College of General Practitioners and there is a Country Coordinator in charge of the programme.

In the participating countries a number of General Practitioners and their Practices have been selected to be Host Practices. These practices are the cornerstones of the programme inviting visiting Medical Doctors specializing in General Practice/Family Medicine from the other participating countries.

The duration of an Exchange Study Visit is two weeks. During this time the visitor will obtain a brief, broad introduction to the aspects and the role of General Practice/Family Medicine in the respective country by taking part in all activities of the Host Practice. The visitor will also meet, follow and exchange views with the local trainees specializing in General Practice/Family Medicine and will be encouraged to gain insight in local resources and quality improvement activities as well as local health care planning and health insurance.

Where possible private accomodation is arranged.

In this catalogue the Country Coordinators and the Host Practices are presented not only with informational data but also with a short presentation of the specific Host Practice.

Financing

In the pilot phase of the programme there is no central funding.

Grants supporting innovative initiatives will have to be found locally.

As the programme develops and proves its justification and success it should be elaborated and made suitable for EU-funding through the EU mobility programmes Socrates/Erasmus or Leonardo da Vinci.

By all means intentions are to keep costs at a minimum through the pioneer spirit of the participants.

Procedure

The programme is designed with a very flat structure relying on the activity and creativity of the participants. Thus through the principles of ownership enhancing the likelihood of success and sustainability.

The Country Coordinator makes the programme known among the Medical Doctors specializing in General Practice/Family Medicine and distributes this catalogue.
A Trainee wanting to exchange takes direct contact to the practice of choice in the country of choice and makes preliminary arrangements for a study visit.
It relies then on the Trainee supported by the local Country Coordinator to find and apply for appropriate funding and to carry the exchange study visit through.

Evaluation

After the successful completion of an exchange visit an evaluation form has to be completed. These forms will make up the basis for an annual report to the WONCA/EURACT-council on the progress of the programme.

Language

The common language is English however it is an asset if the visiting Trainee is capable of speaking the language of the hosting country.

Legal aspects

For legal reasons the visiting Trainee must take no independent active part in the examination and treatment of patients of the Host Practice.