Analysis of data from an annual graduating medical students' survey revealed that a required third-year family medicine clerkship of at least four weeks is associated with a higher percentage of students choosing training and specialty certification in family practice. Whether clerkship inspires or reinforces preexisting choices is not indicated.…

A survey of 723 medical school graduates investigated motivations for early specialty selections and later changes and factors involved in current specialty choice. Perceived match of personality and specialty, technology and methodology characteristic of specialty, and time for family were critical. Greater awareness of career lifestyles is…

Data on 53 Jefferson Medical College (Pennsylvania) graduates specializing in emergency medicine (EM) found they had the highest senior year debt and expected the highest income among nonsurgeons, compared favorably in academic performance and examination scores and were very willing to treat low-income patients. Implications are discussed.…

Data from 1981-90 graduating classes at the 81 medical schools graduating the most family physicians confirmed that declining class size correlates with even greater decline in production of family physicians. Percentage changes in number of graduates and family practice graduates are tabulated for the 31 schools with largest enrollment declines.…

Data on 270 graduates of the Boston (Massachusetts) Children's Hospital's pediatric residency program during 1974-86 indicate an unusually high percentage (66 percent) in academic pediatrics careers, 31 percent in pediatrics practice, and 3 percent in other professional activities. The percentage of women increased steadily, from 30-39 percent,…

A study compared characteristics of the 25 medical schools producing the lowest percentage of primary care physicians with the 25 producing the largest percentage. Results indicate differences in school commitment to primary care education, research programs, and clinical environments supporting required clerkships, suggesting educational…

Among 4,931 young physicians, those most likely to question career choice had higher proportions of white women, African Americans, and Hispanics. These had lower incomes, higher educational debt, more hours and patient visits, and were more likely to report inappropriate use of tests and procedures and lack of autonomy. Implications are…

The design, curricula, and financing of four existing medical schools' rural training track programs (University of Washington, University of Nebraska, State University of New York/Buffalo, University of Kentucky) are described. The programs are seen as having potential to decrease the shortage of physicians choosing careers in rural areas.…

A method for classifying students according to the breadth of their premedical preparation is presented, and medical school performances and career plans of students thus classified are compared. Grouping is according to undergraduate major, nonscience-to-science course hour ratio, and extracurricular involvement. The method is found useful for…

A follow-up study of 951 graduates of Houston High School for Health Professions (Texas) raised some concern about the value of counseling services offered, financial barriers to pursuit of health-related careers, and stereotyping and career choice. Overall, the program has succeeded in fostering pursuit of health-related careers. (Author/MSE)