Short Answer Management Problems (SAMP) questions are case-based, problem-oriented short-answer questions that are used as an examination method for the Family Medicine Certification exam in Canada.
Starting in March 2025, the Foundation for Medical Practice Education (FMPE) will release SAMP-style questions with each issue of their modules. The initial release will include questions from the November 2024 and February 2025 issues, as well as select SAMPs from older issues. These documents will be available on the Members Online platform under “My Resources”, and all SAMPs will be linked to one of the FMPE modules in the answer key for reference.
It is important to note that these SAMPs are not endorsed or written by members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Instead, they are developed by FMPE members as a resource to assist residents who have requested additional study materials.
Residents are reminded that the use of these resources is at their discretion. While these practice SAMPs can help strengthen core medical knowledge, they do not replace the broader educational principles of Practice-Based Problem Learning (PBPL), such as fostering a community of learners, encouraging reflection, and implementing ongoing practice changes to better support patient care.
These principles are best attained with the ongoing use of our modules in small group discussions and with the inclusion of the reflection tools.