Addressing National Healthcare Needs: Characteristics of Recent Medical Graduates Intending to Practice in Underserved Areas

• In Event: Tracking the Role of Professions Education in Stimulating Societal Benefits

Abstract

Medical graduates expressing intentions to work in underserved areas (underserved practice intentions [UPI]) at graduation are more likely to do so in practice. Using national data from 2019-2022 graduates, we examined graduates’ demographic, experiential, and specialty plan characteristics associated with UPI at graduation. Among 59,926 graduates, 28% expressed UPI (range by school [N=142]: 11-69%). In multilevel logistic regression (nested by school), UPI likelihood was higher among Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native graduates; community college attendees; pre-medical Summer Health Professions Education Program participants; and participants of ≥2 medical-school preparatory electives for working with underserved communities (among other variables examined). Diversifying medical student populations and supporting pre/medical-school community-based experiences are strategies to address national physician workforce needs for underserved communities.

Authors

• Amy Pineda, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Douglas Grbic, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Michael Cameron, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Natalie Felida, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Jay Youngclaus, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Dorothy Andriole, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Norma Poll-Hunter, Association of American Medical Colleges

• Geoffrey Young, Association of American Medical Colleges