Interns at St Vincent's Hospital have been adequately prepared for their role in General Medicine, although many realize this only in retrospect. Deficiencies in educational opportunities for interns have been uncovered that emphasize areas of attention for medical educators.

This information may assist in the planning of future educational interventions for emergency physicians. EP seek CPD on management, educational and other non clinical skills, as well as topics relating directly to patient care.

These findings may assist in facilitating increased participation in CPD by FACEM.

As the first of six related reports, this paper documents the methodology used, including questionnaire development, and provides the demographics of responding FACEM, including the clinical and non-clinical hours worked and type of hospital of principal employment.

Whilst emergency physicians currently participate in a wide variety of learning methods, the results of this survey suggest EP most appreciate ED based teaching, would like more contact with other departments, along with increased opportunities for simulation based learning and attendance at international conferences.

This information may assist in the planning of future educational interventions for EP.

These findings might assist planning CPD for EP.