Between 2/10/2000 and 30/1/2001, the organizational structure and management in 4 general practice (GP) clinics & 2 health centers (HC) in Kinta District were studied by 14 Level 4 medical students of Perak College of Medicine. Data collected from work process files and staff interviews / shadowing showed that GPs in the study had more working experience with postgraduate qualifications than HC doctors. All HC nurses but only one GP clinic nurse had formal training. HC organization was more complex with documentation. GP organization was simple and lacked documentation. HC management was by a group while GPs handled all management aspects. This study enhanced students' understanding of Malaysian primary care system.