We report about the first 7 seminars of a training programme for presenters of quality circles for panel doctors. The seminars aim to train techniques of moderating a group and to give a methodological background for the work with quality circles. 65 (44.2%) of the 147 participants were general practitioners, 34 (23.1%) were internists and 32 (21.8%) were specialists of other disciplines. 16 (10.9%) were not physicians or not working as a physician. An evaluation of the seminars by a structured questionnaire showed mean ratings of 2.1 for lectures [in terms of school-marks from 1 (very good) to 6 (very poor)] and 1.8 for the work in small groups. Working atmosphere and opportunities for active participation were rated most positively. 6 months after the course, 64.9% of the participants already had arranged dates for meetings or had started with own quality circles.