Residency application statements can predict postresidency training

We sought to evaluate whether residency application statements regarding ex pected career paths are accurate predictors of early postresidency career p aths. We evaluated 162 residents who completed a categorical medicine resid ency at Georgetown University Hospital between 1990 and 1998 to determine i f their stated career plans (generalist practice, subspecialization, or und ecided) at application predicted activity immediately after residency. Of 1 30 residents with defined postresidency plans st application, most 78 (60%) followed those career paths after graduation; 18 (67%) of 27 pursued their initial interest in generalist practice, and 60 (58%) of 103 pursued their stated interest in subspecialty training. We also noted a movement of resi dents toward generalism (79 [49%] of 162), despite low initial interest [27 [17%] of 162].