Influence of a rural primary care clerkship on medical students' intentions to practice in a rural community

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of a rural clerksh ip to medical students' interest in establishing careers in rural communiti es. The Association of American Medical Colleges Medical School Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) for years 1988 through 1997 was examined to compare the career plans of students graduating from Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) with those of all students graduating from United States medical schools b efore the period 1988 through 1992 and after the period 1993 through 1997, after inception of the rural clerkship at MSM. Select GQ data items examine d include student demographics, medical school experiences, and career plan s. Statistical analyses were used to compare pre- and post-clerkship respon ses for MSM students and to compare their responses with the national trend s. Results indicate that, following a transition period, MSM students showe d an increased preference for a future career in a rural community. A small er upward trend in the national data was observed. There appears to be an a ssociation between the rural clerkship experience at MSM and the stated pre ferred career choices of the students.