Sex differences in student preference for family medicine

Differences between male and female students at the University of Washington School of Medicine in their choices of family medicine specialization were examined over a ten-year period. Specialty choices during the second year of medical school were compared to later residency selections. Women showed a significantly stronger early preference for family practice but were less likely to select a family medicine residency than their male counterparts. Although the magnitude of the differences was modest, the possible decline in interest among a group of students who intuitively seem particularly suited to this specialty appears worthy of note. Possible implications of these findings are discussed.