Specialty Choice: Family Medicine
In the increasingly fragmented world of health care, one thing remains constant: family physicians are dedicated to treating the whole person. Family medicine's cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focusing on integrated care. (Source: American Academy of Family Physicians)
Associated Societies
Quick Facts
The following information comes from the National Resident Matching Program's Charting Outcomes in the Match 2014 (PDF) based on matched applicants in the United States.
- Step score averages:
- Mean Step 1 of U.S. Matched Applicants: 218
- Mean Step 2 CK of U.S. Matched Applicants: 234
- Average number of research experiences: 1.7
- Average number of abstracts, presentations and publications: 2.3
- Work and Volunteer:
- Average number of work experiences: 3.6
- Average number of volunteer experiences: 7.8
- Mean number of contiguous ranks of U.S. matched applicants: 10
Looking into the Future/Changes in Health Care
The fear that family medicine will become obsolete as physician assistants and nurse practitioners enter the field has not panned out. On the contrary, there is growing public recognition that comprehensive primary care is the solution for the health of our communities and the nation to improve health, reduce health disparities, improve health care quality, and lower the cost of care. Around the world, primary care–based health systems have lower costs, higher quality, and better access to care. The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, the Council on Graduate Medical Education, and other respected organizations and policymakers have identified the need to train more primary care physicians.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act contains several key provisions to strengthen primary care. These include enhancing payments to primary care physicians and fostering the creation of advanced primary care models of care. A new payment system that rewards outcomes and quality over volume of services provided is being ushered in after the passage of landmark legislation in April 2015.
Rapid change in the U.S. health care system is increasing demand for family physicians. It is estimated that an additional 52,000 primary care physicians will be needed by 2025. Therefore, it is not surprising that family medicine has the highest recruitment rate of any specialty.
Additional Information
- Career Services Focus Newsletter: Family Medicine
- Boonshoft School of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program
- Boonshoft School of Medicine Residency Program Director: Teresa W. Zryd, M.D.
- BSOM Family Medicine Interest Group
- Search for recent Wright State graduates who matched in Family Medicine
- Association of American Medical Colleges Careers in Medicine: Family Medicine
See the Career Essentials Pilot Page regarding specialty specific advice for more detailed information and resources.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians, 2016. Family Medicine Specialty.
