The Practice Based Small Group (PBSG) Learning Program was designed to give small groups of family physicians the opportunity to facilitate change in knowledge, attitudes, and skills. In July of 1997, due to the PBSG Learning Program's success the Foundation for Medical Practice Education (a non-profit organization dedicated to continuing professional development for family physicians) was created.

Since its inception in 1992, this program has successfully recruited about 8,000 members nationally and internationally, and has trained over 850 peer facilitators to lead the group process. The program is designed to give physicians the opportunity to define and engage in learning activities that are more self-directed and related to authentic practice problems. The modules provide the practising physician with scientific data formatted into a practical educational framework.

Study Credits

The PBSG Learning Program is accredited to issue MAINPRO-C credits by The College of Family Physicians of Canada. PBSG participants are eligible for these credits, on an hour-for-hour basis. MAINPRO-C credits also qualify for the American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award Category 1 credits and the American Academy of Family Physicians Prescribed Credits .

Learn more about the Mainpro-C & PBLP and Fellowship certification .

Becoming a Member of an Existing Group

If you have already found a group willing to accept new members, simply ask the group's facilitator to contact The Foundation's program office to let us know that someone new has joined the group and which modules s/he will require in order to participate (see list of available topics for new members of existing groups ). In addition, you must complete and submit a registration application along with your membership dues. If you are searching for a group to join, please contact our PBSG Program Coordinator at fmpe@mcmaster.ca so that we may direct you to a facilitator in your area.

Forming a New Group

Discuss the Program with your colleagues and form a learning group. The recommended optimal size of a group is seven members (minimum five, maximum nine). Select one member to be trained as the facilitator . Determine a mutually agreeable time and place to meet. Groups commonly meet for 90-minute time periods once a month. Many groups meet more frequently. Most groups stop for 1 or 2 months over the summer.

The group must be registered and must have paid before the facilitator can be trained.

 Access the PBSG facilitator training registration application .

Complete the application and submit it by:

• Fax (905) 540-4988
• Mail The Foundation For Medical Practice Education, McMaster University , 1280 Main St. West , DTC Basement Level, Hamilton , Ontario L8S 4L8 Canada
• Phone 1-800-661-3249 or (905)525-9140 x22219, having your address and payment information handy
• E-mail fmpe@mcmaster.ca .

Annual fees are $295.00 Cdn per PBSG member. Cheques made payable to the Foundation for Medical Practice Education, or credit card information, must accompany your application. Please note that MAINPRO-C study credits will be issued only to physicians registered with the Program.

Several provincial chapters of the Canadian Medical Association have or administer a Continuing Medical Education Reimbursement Program. We suggest that you contact your provincial chapter to inquire about your eligibility for reimbursement.

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