Table 5 Participants’ perceptions and relevant quotes related to themes

Effectiveness of online modality

• “Flexibility of the program’s online platform and the convenience of revisiting the content.”

• “It was a good opportunity for updating my knowledge and simultaneously take care of my household responsibilities.”

• “Internet disruptions as the main hindrance”

• “Program’s compatibility with mobile phones needs to be improved.”

Effectiveness of different teaching strategies:

• Power point presentations were relevant and concise ensuring attention, retention, and easy absorption.”

• “Case-based discussions during the Sunday Chai and Chat sessions were most helpful.”

• “Splitting in small groups in break out rooms provided opportunity for active participation and interaction with faculty and other participants.”

• “Onsite clinical skill session and skill videos was beneficial for revising examination skills.”

• “It was worth travelling from Canada for the onsite clinical skill sessions.”

• “The discussion fora were least helpful component. Repetition in individual responses made the activity boring.

• “Engaging with discussion forum threads motivated me to independently research the topic, contributing significantly to my knowledge.”

• “Not everyone is active in discussion forum, moreover people have different capabilities.”

• “Due to time zone differences by the time I open, a lot has already happened in the forum, hence it is difficult for some to participate in the assigned time.”

• “TOACS, it taught me how to interact with patients in a real setting.”

Utilization of knowledge and skills:

• “It wasn’t just clinical knowledge but the improvement in systematic approach to data gathering and diagnosis that was actually the strength of the program.”

• “It has made me more confident in data gathering and to arrive at a diagnosis.”

• “We used to simply write prescriptions based on symptoms. Now we learned about data gathering and arriving at a possible diagnosis.”

• “Counselling and communication skills learnt will enable in addressing most patient problems while working in communities.”

• “I have seen a rise in number of both new and follow up patients at my private practice clinic.”

Help with professional development:

• “The course has stimulated my interest in professional growth, and I plan for post-graduate certification exams (MRCGP int or MCPS in Family Medicine).”

• “I was stuck after graduation and internship; the program has provided direction to move forward in my professional journey.”

• “I am planning for MRCGP (int) exam after a career break of 4 years.”

• “I now feel confident to take up qualifying exam in Family Medicine which will pave my way for practicing in Canada for the time I am here.”

• “I feel confident to pursue becoming a nurse practitioner.”