There are few training programs in Japan for doctors who wish to practice in rural areas. We propose a postgraduate training program for doctors practicing in rural areas which would include the conditions of training hospitals and requirements for teaching staff. This program clarifies not only the content necessary for doctors practicing in rural areas but also the fundamental competence of all doctors. We sent questionnaires about this program to 24 physicians (20 working at university hospitals and 4 working at community hospitals). Physicians working at university hospitals replied that a program of 3 years is too short and contains too much material. Physicians working in a community hospital replied that this program would be extremely useful for medical students and residents who wish to practice in rural areas. Training programs for doctors who wish to practice in rural areas are needed to improve postgraduate training programs.

The Jichi Medical School has trained doctors for work in community health care for over 20 years.Students learn medical communication skills by role-play. In this role-play, doctors and patients areplayed by students. Discussions are also held by students. The teaching staff give additional explanations, suggestions and demonstrations. By themselves, students learn about 1) general practice, 2) theprocess of consultation, 3) medical communication and 4) patients' emotions. We plan to develop othereducational resources such as trained simulated patients.