Predictors of Primary Care Career Choice: A Review of AMCAS Applications of Four Graduating Classes At A New Medical School Alyssa Korenstein, MS3; Tara K Cunningham, EdD 1. Problem/Purpose Problem: The U.S. is facing a shortage of primary care physicians, an issue that is particularly salient in Arizona. Purpose: Determine what factors from students’ medical school applications (AMCAS) may predict choice of primary care specialty. 5. Results6. Conclusions/Discussion Greater number of siblings and percentage of community service activities may be predictors for students who choose to enter a primary care field. Consistent with findings of Owen, et al (2002), which found high levels of community service associated with primary care career choice. 4 In order to meet the physician workforce needs, it is important for new and existing medical schools to consider these data when shaping admissions practices. Limitations: students who match into internal medicine may further subspecialize in a non-primary care field. Future Plans: Continue to code and analyze remaining data. Run analyses for each individual primary care specialty Retrospective review of all graduates of UACOM-Phoenix between , a total of 149 students. To date, 87 student applications have been analyzed. 2. Background Data Projected shortage of up to 90,000 physicians by the year Shortage will be even greater – and demand outpacing supply faster – for primary care than any other individual specialty. 2 AZ ranks 36 th out of all states in number of active PCPs, but 3 rd in growth of medical school enrollment. 3 Owen et al (2002): Single best predictor of career choice at graduation was the stated career preference at matriculation Acknowledgements I would like to thank my mentor, Dr. Tara Cunningham, for her continued guidance and support. I would also like to thank Dr. Matthew McEchron for providing statistical and editorial assistance. University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix 3. Trends at UACOM - Phoenix AMCAS APPLICATION VARIABLES Other: activities, personal statement Academics: college major, GPA, MCAT Demographics: gender, age, race, ethnicity, languages, family/community characteristics NRMP OUTCOME PRIMARY CARENON- PRIMARY CARE Family Medicine Pediatrics Internal Medicine Medicine- Pediatrics Fig. 1: The primary care career group had a greater number of siblings (t(79)=3.23, p= ) when compared with the non-primary care group. Error bars = SEM Fig. 2: The primary care group had a greater percentage of activities listed as community service (t(85)=2.04, p= ) when compared with the non-primary care group. Error bars = SEM. 8. References 1. IHS Inc., The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2013 to Washington, DC: AAMC Center for Workforce Studies; Dill M, Salsberg E. The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections Through Washington, DC: AAMC Center for Workforce Studies; State Physician Workforce Data Book. Washington, DC: AAMC Center for Workforce Studies; Owen JA, Hayden GF, Connors AF,Jr. Can medical school admission committee members predict which applicants will choose primary care careers? Acad Med. 2002;77(4): Design/Methods Preliminary analyses utilized independent t- tests. At this time, applicants grouped according to whether or not they pursued a career in primary care-overall.