Caring for adults with mental retardation: Survey of family practice residency program directors

In their core curriculum guidelines, the Society of Teachers of Family Medi cine has recognized the importance of training family physicians in caring for persons with mental retardation. We mailed surveys to all family practi ce residency directors in the United States, questioning them about experie nces and methods used to teach residents about health care needs of adults with mental retardation and the importance of this education. We found that 84% of programs provide residents with one or more experiences, and 60% in struct residents in this area. Most directors ranked this education as very important or important. There was no relationship between type or age of r esidency program and likelihood that residents were educated about mental r etardation. The importance of this education is discussed.