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. 2008 Jan;54(1):78–79.

Table 1 .

Factors that affect medical student selection of family medicine as a career 2 11

FACTORS POSITIVE INFLUENCES NEUTRAL INFLUENCES NEGATIVE INFLUENCES
Demographics Rural background
Lower socioeconomic status
Lower parental income
Lower parental education
Older age
Demonstrating a societal orientation
Ethnicity
Academic background
Medical school More required FM time in clinical years
Programs to increase the number of students entering primary care
Schools with high rates of primary care graduates
Positive faculty FP role models
Admissions policies
Legislative mandates
Negative FM role models
Negative attitudes expressed by lecturers or staff
Schools with low rates of primary care graduates
Career plans Intention to study FM at entry to medical school
Intention to practise in a rural or disadvantaged area
Placing a high value on the physician-patient relationship
Placing a high value on intellectual stimulation or challenge
Placing a high value on workload flexibility and predictability
Placing a high value on the ability to pursue interests not related to work
Placing a high value on lifestyle
Desiring a varied scope of practice
Expectations of high income
Interest in research
Interest in an academic career
Perception of a lack of prestige
Perception of low income potential
Perception of low intellectual content
Hospital oriented

FM—family medicine.