Family medicine faculty development fellowships and the medically underserved.

OBJECTIVE

This study measured the prevalence of service in federally designated medically underserved communities (FD-MUC) by Title VII-funded, full-time faculty development fellowship alumni.

METHODS

A two-stage survey of alumni of full-time, family medicine faculty development fellowships was completed. Alumni were dichotomized as serving in an FD-MUC or not.

RESULTS

Of the 105 fellowship alumni identified, 81% (n = 85) responded; 42% (n = 36) were serving in an FD-MUC. Of alumni serving in an FD-MUC, the mean full-time equivalent service time was 73%. Of the demographic variables measured, only race was significantly associated with FD-MUC service, and minorities were more likely to practice in an FD-MUC. Respondents serving in FD-MUCs were more satisfied with their relationships with nonphysician health professionals, salary and income, and their role in making organizational and administrative decisions than those not serving in FD-MUCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Title VII has the broad policy objective of increasing access to medical care by improving the supply and distribution of physicians and recruitment of minority health professionals. Alumni of faculty development programs have a high service rate in FD-MUCs, and minority alumni are significantly more likely to practice in these sites.