The first-year family practice resident. An identity crisis.

A definite identity crisis was recognized among first-year family practice residents prior to this year. A specific solution was found through a carefully planned one month family practice rotation that enabled the residents to become fully acquainted with the Family Practice Clinic operation while firmly establishing their identity as unique family practice residents. There is good evidence that this approach has been highly successful in dealing with the problem, and the alleviation of identity crises in first-year residents has, in addition, strengthened other areas of the residency program.