Results of the 1997 National Resident Matching Program: family practice.

The 1997 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) results reveal all-time highs for the number of positions filled in family practice residencies (2,905) and the number of positions filled with US seniors (2,340). This is the largest number of US seniors choosing family practice in the history of the NRMP. Of the 65 additional positions filled through the NRMP, compared with 1996 (2,905 versus 2,840), 64 were filled with additional US seniors (2,340 versus 2,276). Continuing a trend begun in 1992, the 1997 results showed more positions filled in family practice residencies on July 1 than in the previous year, with 3,570 in 1997, compared with 3,494 in 1996. Internal medicine residencies matched 128 more US seniors in 1997, and pediatric residencies matched 63 more US seniors. Of the US seniors matching through the NRMP, only 37.5% are predicted to practice as generalists. In the past 5 years, family practice has been the choice of 71.5% of additional US seniors choosing primary care. The continued record increased interest in family practice as a career, coupled with the nation's need for more family physicians, demands increased support for the nation's family practice residency programs.