Preventive medicine residents: a national survey

Little is known about those physicians who pursue graduate medical education in preventive medicine, including aerospace medicine, general preventive medicine and public health, and occupational medicine. We surveyed resident physicians about their academic background, financial environment, clinical activities, and professional goals. A total of 147 residents (30%) responded from a population of 498 residents. The data suggest a lack of available information about preventive medicine training and careers among medical students who subsequently pursue such training. Their economic environment is extremely diverse, with a wide range of salary, "moonlighting" hours, educational loans, and service obligations. Although the median annual salary ($24,700) is similar to the national average resident salary, 32% of respondents earned less than $20,000, and 95% have educational debts averaging $30,900. Sixty-two percent of respondents perform clinical work in their residency, whereas 76% desire future clinical work as part of their practice. This gap is most pronounced in general preventive medicine and public health. The residents express a wide range of interests in future practice of preventive medicine; 54% are interested in government work, and 33% desire academic careers.