Medical schools face challenges in directing graduates toward primary care roles
Now, as she nears graduation, Julia is still passionate about primary care pediatrics. But many new doctors are choosing different paths. In 2024, a significant number of pediatric and family medicine residency slots went unfilled. Students often chase higher-paying specialties instead.
Julia’s school has helped her stay on track. But the question remains: can other medical schools do more to encourage primary care? The Association of American Medical Colleges warns of a looming shortage of primary care doctors, which could hurt many Americans’ access to essential health services.
Many students start with an interest in primary care but get drawn into specialties at larger medical centers. The allure of money plays a big role. Subspecialties can be very lucrative, benefiting both the doctors and the hospitals.
Some medical schools lack full family medicine departments, which can limit exposure to primary care. Schools like Harvard and Johns Hopkins have this issue. Students often end up in high-paying specialties like gastroenterology or cardiology.
One idea to attract students to primary care is to eliminate tuition. Some schools are waiving tuition fees, hoping that students will choose careers based on passion rather than salary. However, Julia’s school and its sister school both have no tuition, yet their graduates still choose different paths.
At Julia’s school, two-thirds of graduates are going into primary care. In contrast, most graduates from the Manhattan campus are opting for high-paying specialties. Primary care often doesn’t get the respect it deserves, and students hear discouraging comments about their choices.
Even small things can sway students’ decisions. For instance, those in primary care might miss out on perks like free lunches during hospital rotations. Despite these challenges, Julia’s classmate Anand Chukka remains committed to primary care, wanting to help underserved communities.
The future can look tough for primary care, with administrative burdens and paperwork. Specialists face challenges too, but primary care doctors often have more patients and less support.
Experts believe the real issue lies in the healthcare system, not the medical schools. They argue that low pay and lack of support drive students away from primary care. However, some schools successfully produce many primary care doctors by providing positive experiences and mentorship.
U.S. News recently ranked medical schools based on how many graduates practice primary care years later. Osteopathic schools lead the way, while elite schools like Yale and Harvard have much lower rates.
Public universities focused on primary care have better outcomes. The University of Washington, for example, has a program that places students in rural areas, leading many to return to practice there. Similarly, UC-Davis has increased its family medicine graduates through targeted programs.
Recruitment is key. Schools are looking for students with life experiences that foster compassion. Many students come from families that struggle to access primary care, making them more invested in the field.
Some advocates worry that creating schools solely for primary care might let other institutions off the hook. They believe primary care should be integrated into all medical education.
For Julia, attending a school dedicated to primary care has been a great fit. Her passion for pediatrics has only grown, thanks to supportive classmates and mentors. Now, she’s applying for pediatric residencies, inspired by her own experiences with healthcare.
Julia sees the value in being a pediatrician, saying, “Your pediatrician is the person you can come back to.” She hopes to be that guiding light for others in the future.
