Introduction: Since 1998 the postgraduate training program in family medicine (FM) in Switzerland has been modified several times. This study shows demographic changes of the newly certified family practitioners (FPs) over the last years and the influence of the modifications of the postgraduate training program on the choice of specialties during residency. Methods: All FPs, certified in the years 1998 to 2012, and their completed postgraduate training programs were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The percentage of newly certified female FPs showed a higher increase compared to the percentage of newly certified female physicians of all specialties. Compared to 1998 in the year 2012 the FPs completed one specialty less during residency. The part of newly certified FPs having completed a vocational training in FM during their residency doubled during the observed time. Conclusion: The acquired medical diversity during residency decreased, while vocational training in FM showed an increasing attendance. Structured training programs should be established to allow a broad medical spectrum during residency, and preserve the high attendance at vocational training in FM. © Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag.
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