Medical education and practice have been changed by the success of biomedical research and by the increasing role of government in medicine. The future physician will require a strong background in the basic medical sciences, as well as highly developed clinical skills. (Author/MLW)

The history, status, problems, and prospects of postgraduate medical training for primary care practice in the United Kingdom are reviewed in order to provide insight for American medical educators. The British emphasis on hospital-based training is questioned, but is seen as less of a problem for Americans. (Author/JMD)