Towards a Common Certification and Recertification Model in Family Medicine in Latin America

Abstract

This article presents the progress made by the Certification and Recertification Working Group of the Ibero-American Confederation of Family Medicine (CIMF) in developing a regional proposal aimed at strengthening professional evaluation processes in Family Medicine. Based on a situational assessment conducted in 16 Ibero-American countries, significant challenges were identified regarding the heterogeneity of criteria, implementation mechanisms, and monitoring in the certification and recertification processes. In response, the Group proposes six strategic lines of action focused on: building common criteria while respecting regional diversity; designing accessible educational content; conceptual harmonization of key terms; promoting interinstitutional collaboration; sharing best practices; and systematically including the topic at the Ibero-American Confederation of Family Medicine conferences. This first phase seeks to advance toward a common, flexible, and progressive model based on quality, equity, and continuous improvement, which promotes the professionalization of Family Medicine and ensures the population receives comprehensive, ethical, and competent care. The article emphasizes the need to build a shared framework without imposing uniformity, recognizing contextual richness as a driver of integration and mutual learning in the region.