Why first-year family practice residents choose their residency programs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study identifies some of the factors that influenced program selection by first-year family practice residents. METHODS: In a national survey, 660 new first-year residents from 159 family practice programs responded to a questionnaire that asked them to cite the most important factors in choosing their program and rejecting other programs. RESULTS: The most important factors in selecting a program were location, reputation, faculty, and residents. The most important factors in deciding against other programs were location, reputation, residents, and curriculum. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that recruiters of first-year family practice residents need to address these factors in their recruiting efforts.