2009 Residency Match - The Primary Care Canary

The total number of PGY-1 residency positions offered and filled increased again this year, with 400 (1.9%) more PGY-1 positions filled.  However, despite a promising increase in family medicine position filled last year, the number of positions offered and filled is down again this year - 100 fewer positions were offered and there were 75 fewer positions filled (Figure).

Figure. Results of the NRMP, 1997-2009, for Family Medicine Positions Offered and Filled (Source: AAFP)

The number of internal medicine and pediatric positions offered and filled rose incrementally, but increases in these PGY-1 positions will not necessarily equate to more primary care as more and more of these residents are choosing to further specialize after their initial "primary care" residencies.

Congress is increasingly recognizing the physician workforce and medical student specialty choices as critical components to developing a health care system in the U.S. that is equitable, accessible and cost-effective.  But the 2009 Match is another step in the wrong direction and hopefully it sends a message.  The time to act is now.