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…

A survey of faculty (n=223) and students (n=157) in two different curriculum tracks (problem-based/student-centered primary care vs. regular) at one medical school gathered opinions on the methods and criteria of student evaluation. Differences occurred primarily in the perceptions of first- and second-year students in the problem-based…

A study examined four "bimodal" medical schools (University of Washington, University of North Carolina, University of California/San Francisco, University of California/San Diego), ranked highly in both production of primary care physicians and receipt of National Institutes of Health research grants. The study examined institutional…

The profession of medicine has a central role to play in ushering in the new paradigm of a health care system that will invest its efforts in health promotion and disease prevention on the one hand and in treatment and rehabilitation of the sick and injured on the other. (MLW)

The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science surveyed its students (n=44) and those of the University of California at Los Angeles medical school (n=402) to determine whether its initial classes are pursuing primary care careers consistent with the institution's mission. Results suggest student characteristics are at least as influential…

A survey of 63 general medical residents found most accepted the psychosocial role of the primary care physician, found it most appropriate in ambulatory care settings, felt ambivalent about their ability to perform it, and assigned it secondary priority in patient care. More attention by training programs to ambulatory care and psychosocial…

Using data on 3,569 women and 15,582 men trained in internal medicine, this study investigated gender differences in choice of primary care practice and their possible relationship to training program type, traditional or primary care. Results indicate women pursued primary care more often than did men, regardless of training program completed.…

Research on effects of medical school curriculum on choice of careers in rural and underserved areas suggests medical students' pre-established interests are at least as predictive as curriculum. Most medical schools and residencies need extensive curriculum changes if students' careers are to be affected. Admissions offices can play a pivotal…

Many recent changes affecting the general and rural health care system are reviewed. The American Association of Medical Colleges' recommends a task force on rural health and medical education be established to begin active dialogue on how medical education can effectively respond to the challenges of rural health. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated the proportions of medical school graduates of the University of California at San Francisco entering personal care and technology-oriented specialties from 1982-1988. For the 1988 cohort, the importance of demographic, medical school, and postgraduate factors were also evaluated as predictors. (Author/MSE)

This paper uses an organizational systems model in examining academic health centers and health maintenance organizations to identify common needs, mutual interests, areas for potential collaboration, and bridging strategies. These include health care systems development, professional education, information management systems, and health services…

A review of 73 articles on primary care specialty choice between 1987 and 1993 revealed patterns in student attitudes on entry to medical school, characteristics associated with choice of primary care, significant curricular experiences, required time in family practice, and faculty representation. Twelve strategies for increasing the proportion…

This article briefly describes the four-year primary care program (beginning in the senior year of medical school and sponsored by the departments of internal medicine and family medicine) offered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine. Preliminary evidence indicates that the seven students and residents enrolled are…

The objectives of this preliminary study were to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using trained simulated patient instructors (N=6) as an office-based continuing medical education method and to assess the current sexually transmitted diseases/human immunodeficiency virus risk assessment and counseling practices of primary care…

Two household surveys (n=629, n=544) of a community served by the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center (New York) found that despite a rapid rise in services provided, unmet needs continued to be great. In the survey report, a model for service provision in underserved communities is examined. (Author/MSE)