University of Minnesota Medical School Tops Nation in Graduates Entering Family Medicine

Minneapolis, Oct. 26, 2016 – New data from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) shows 19 percent of University of Minnesota Medical School graduates pursued a family medicine residency over the past three years - more than twice the national rate.

“Our top ranking demonstrates our School’s commitment to producing family physicians who are invested in our state’s primary health care system,” said Macaran Baird, MD, head of the department of family medicine and community health at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

The University of Minnesota Medical School produced 42 family medicine graduates in 2015 and was one of just ten U.S. medical schools with 30 or more graduates entering the specialty. The school’s department of family medicine and community health is also ranked third in funding from the National Institutes of Health compared to other similar programs. In aggregate, the study found just 9 percent of U.S. medical school graduates are choosing family medicine for their specialty. 

“The AAFP data is a direct reflection of the great partnerships we have with our state’s health systems,” said Baird. “Together, we are educating the next generation of physicians and helping to meet the needs of the health care workforce for the entire state.”

 The AAFP annual survey involves researching statistics from all residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). 

The results represent one measure of the efforts made by U.S. medical schools to produce family physicians. Data shows, most family medicine residents end up practicing within 100 miles of where they complete their residency program.

In addition, primary care has proven to boost patient outcomes, reduce health disparities and lower per-capita health care costs.

Baird added, “We recognize the positive impact primary care physicians can have on the communities we serve and our students want to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the AAFP data read the complete study. 

About the University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. Learn how the University of Minnesota is innovating all aspects of medicine by visiting www.med.umn.edu.