The changing scene in graduate medical education: implications for pathology

During the past several years a number of unrelated events have occurred that will have a marked impact upon residency training in pathology in the United States. These factors include: (1) a twofold increase in the annual number of graduates from American medical schools, (2) Public Law 94-484, which will reduce the number of foreign medical graduates eligible for postgraduate training in this country by 70 to 80 per cent, and (3) increased emphasis on permitting Americans studying abroad to transfer to United States medical schools. Barring unforeseen changes, the culmination of these events is expected circa 1984 when the number of applicants for first year house office positions will equal or exceed the pool of available slots. Therefore, a significant proportion of graduates either will not be matched at all or will not be matched with the specialty(ies) of their choice. The implications of these trends with respect to residency training in pathology, with particular reference to the motives and motivation of persons seeking a first year slot, are discussed and alternative strategies for maximizing benefits discussed.