Recruiting physicians to rural practice. Suggestions for success.

Medical school graduates from 1986 to 1988 and current residents in 12 family practice residency programs in the Northwest (N = 302) were surveyed to identify important factors in the recruitment process for their first postresidency placement. The study sought to compare the recruitment practices of rural communities and urban sites. Specific questions addressed in the study concerned sources of information about practice opportunities, stage in training when job search was initiated, factors related to unsuccessful site visits, and activities scheduled in the visit. Results indicated that referrals from faculty were the most valued source of information. Most job searches were initiated in the first 6 months of the third year in training. An unreceptive physician community and a reluctant spouse or partner were substantial problems for residents making site visits to rural communities. Rural sites tended to provide a broader mix of professional and personal activities during the visit.