Impact of a Targeted Rural and Underserved Track on Medical Student Match Into Family Medicine and Other Needed Workforce Specialties

Background and Objectives: There is a shortage of physicians in rural communities the United States. More than other types primary care physicians, family are foundation for areas.1 also critical shortages specialties such as general surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry America.2-7 This study assessed student participation University Washington School Medicine’s (UWSOM) Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) program predictor medicine (FM) needed workforce specialty residency match. Methods: The group was 156 medical students from 2009-2014; 102 were accepted to TRUST compared control 54 who not into but did matriculate UWSOM. Student characteristics two groups using t tests. Logistic regression analysis determined whether acceptance predicted outcomes measures FM match or physician specialty; tests rates applicants graduates, UWSOM US allopathic seniors. Results: graduates had same rate group. 29.1% at 16.9% seniors 8.7% (P<.001). Conclusions: Although different versus groups, all an that approaches 30%, which higher class In order help reach goal 25% matching by 2030, schools should consider having rural-focused admissions widely.