Impact of participation in a family practice track program on student career decisions

Abstract

Two classes of entering freshman medical students at the University of Utah indicated career preferences prior to the start of preclinical classwork. A group of interested students applied to a special family practice curriculum track. From this group, 20 were randomly selected each year to participate in the track program. The number was limited because of the need for a small student/faculty ratio. Students participating in the program were found to select residencies in family practice at a significantly higher rate than their classmates who expressed an interest but were not selected to participate. Students who stated a preference for family practice as freshmen were also found to select residencies in family practice at a significantly higher rate than freshman not preferring it. Nevertheless, most senior students matched with residencies different from their freshman preferences.