Selection of family practice residencies in 1981-89 was compared for graduates of State University of New York campuses and all United States medical schools. Compared to other groups, more of the students who had been trained during their third year in a Binghamton primary care clerkship selected family practice residencies. (MSE)

A survey of 456 rural physicians identified features of their training that correlated with their self-reported preparedness for rural practice and small-town living, and with how long they stayed in their rural practices. Results suggest residency rotations in rural areas are the best educational experiences to prepare physicians for rural…

Recent research on the physician workforce in the United States suggests that the projected supply of generalist physicians will be adequate. However, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommendation for training of more generalists is still valid, because more physicians will be needed to maintain an adequate generalist…

A survey of 253 final-year students at the four Saudi medical schools found the most frequently-chosen specialties were internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. Over one-fourth were unsure of career choice. Gender differences were found. Most common locations for postgraduate training were Saudi Arabia and Canada, and a…

Results of an annual survey include the numbers and percentages of all medical school graduates obtaining or not obtaining residencies, by gender and ethnic/racial background and their current activities, by residency specialty or other activity (including research, non-medical activity, and year off). (MSE)

A study of 2 groups of University of Kentucky medical graduates (319 high achievers and 276 low achievers) from 1964 to 1991 found more low achievers chose primary care specialties, especially in recent years. It is concluded that low achievers may have fewer career options available to them. More systematic recruitment and selection is…

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.…

Specialty choices for medical school graduates of the University of Sao Paolo (Brazil) in 1975-84 and 1989-94 were analyzed by gender. Results showed women predominating in pediatrics and men in surgery and orthopedics in both periods, with no gender predominance in other specialties. Significant changes occurred in specialty choice patterns…

Among high-achieving high school students surveyed, 93 percent of Whites and 82 percent of Blacks aspired to graduate and professional degrees. Physician was second career choice for 30 percent of White and 17 percent of Black students. The groups differed in some motivation factors for considering any career choice and career values perceptions.…

Specialty choices of highest-ranking medical students, who are likely to obtain specialties of choice, were examined for evidence that control of work hours is becoming an important factor. Data from three schools indicates choice of controllable-lifestyle specialties increased significantly in the last 6-10 years. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated graduate medical students' perceptions of the effectiveness of financial incentives in recruitment to primary care residencies. Results indicated that a wide range of incentives is available, the trend is growing, and students find such incentives effective. Concern is voiced about diversion of funds needed for improvement of…

As internal medicine residency programs struggle to produce enough general internists adequately prepared for practice, the graduate medical education system must have a clear picture of what competencies these practitioners will need. It must constantly monitor the changing practice environment and its varied generalist career choices.…

Analysis of data from 53 medical students found a gender-specific correlation between faculty evaluations of clinical clerkships and eventual female student choice of that rotation's specialty and between high mini-Board scores by male students and male selection of that specialty. Substantially more women chose pediatrics residencies than…

The article examines trends in the supply of physician-scientists, with emphasis on M.D.-Ph.D. programs to train biomedical researchers. New initiatives, such as the National Institutes of Health Physician-Scientist Training Awards and the Dana Foundation Training Program in the Neurosciences, are described and general recommendations are offered.…

Students who accept the goal of becoming physicians early in life because of external pressures appear to have lower academic achievement than students who develop their professional identity because of personal abilities or interests. Data are from students (N=1156) attending the University of Michigan medical school between 1976-81. (MLW)