The Danish College of General Practitioners

The Danish College of General Practitioners (Dansk Selskab for Almen Medicin (DSAM)) was founded in 1970 through a reorganization of the former College of Research in General Medical Practice. As Denmark’s scientific society for general practice, the College aims to advance the discipline by promoting education, research, quality development, and international collaboration.

Our Purpose

The Danish College of General Practitioners is dedicated to enhancing general practice in Denmark. It’s core objectives include:

1. Strengthening undergraduate and postgraduate education in general practice.

2. Supporting research that addresses the unique needs of primary healthcare.

3. Fostering international connections with practitioners and research institutions worldwide.

4. Driving continuous quality improvement within the field.

A key aspect of the College's work is the development of clinical guidelines that support general practitioners in delivering evidence-based, high-quality care to patients. These guidelines are tailored to the needs of primary care and cover a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring that practitioners have access to the latest, research-based knowledge. The College works closely with experts and practitioners to keep these guidelines updated and relevant.

Working in collaboration with the Danish Organization of General Practitioners (Praktiserende Lægers Organisation (PLO)), academic institutions, and various research organizations, the College aims to ensure that general practice in Denmark meets the highest professional standards.

Core Values

The Danish College of General Practitioners has agreed on a set of core values for general practitioners that underpin their work and mission in general practice. These values emphasize the commitment to patient-centered care, quality, continuity, accessibility, and equality in healthcare. Through these core values, the College seeks to shape general practice in a way that is responsive to patient needs and rooted in trust and professionalism.

General Practice as a Medical Specialty

General practice is a recognized medical specialty in Denmark, with training that is both rigorous and structured. Practitioners follow a dedicated program before they are qualified to set up independent practices. The general practitioner’s role includes:

• Acting as the patient’s first point of contact within the healthcare system.

• Providing ongoing, personal care for patients and their families.

• Assessing patients’ needs based on physical, mental, and social contexts.

Educational Initiatives

The College is committed to advancing educational standards within general practice. Through advocacy, the College has ensured that general practice holds an essential place in medical education and is recognized as a core subject for medical students. Additionally, in cooperation with the National Board of Health and PLO, the College has established objectives for postgraduate training to guarantee high-quality care across the specialty.

To support education in practice, the College has developed frameworks for clinical training and is responsible for coordinating theoretical and practical specialty courses required for general practitioners.

Support for Trainees (FYAM)

Members of the Danish College of General Practitioners who are training in general practice automatically join (Forum for Yngre AlmenMedicinere (FYAM)), the section dedicated to trainees. FYAM provides a forum where trainees’ interests are represented at national and local levels, ensuring they have a voice within the College’s board and committees. Each Danish region has an active FYAM group, which offers both scientific and social support for trainees.

Advancing Research in General Practice

The Danish College of General Practitioners recognizes that research is essential for effective practice. The College prioritizes research initiatives that align with the needs of general practice and supports both central and decentralized projects. Members have opportunities to develop their research skills through courses provided by the College, which encourages independent research and evidence-based practice.

The College has been a key advocate in establishing research units within universities and creating funding sources such as the PLU fund, dedicated to supporting research in general practice. The College continues to seek new resources to expand research efforts within the specialty.

Fostering International Connections

Acknowledging the importance of global engagement, the College actively maintains international connections to stay at the forefront of developments in general practice. It is a member of leading international organizations, including

• WONCA (The World Organization of Family Doctors)

• EURACT (The European Academy of Teachers in General Practice)

• EQuiP (The European Working Party on Quality in Family Practice)

• EGPRW (European General Practice Research Workshop)

• EUROPREV (European Network on Prevention and Health Promotion in Family Medicine and GeneralPractice) 

• EYFDM (European Young Family Doctor’s Movement

and participates in Nordic collaboration initiatives, facilitating close connections with general practice societies in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland in the Nordic Federation of General Practice (NFGP).

These affiliations allow the College to foster knowledge exchange with colleagues abroad. The College organizes meetings with international guest speakers, study trips, and conference visits, giving Danish practitioners access to global and Nordic perspectives.

Publications and Knowledge Sharing

The Danish College of General Practitioners plays an active role in disseminating knowledge. The College publishes Practicus, a journal for members featuring the latest developments and discussions in general practice. In addition, the College sends out a number of different newsletters and is active on social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Additionally, in partnership with the Danish Organization of General Practitioners, the College supports Månedsskrift for Praktisk Lægegerning, a respected monthly journal focused on current topics in Danish general practice.

On the international level DSAM supports our Nordic scientific journal Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care – an open access journal.