Characteristics of Alaskan family physicians as determinants of practice location

Characteristics of Alaskan family physicians were studied as determinants of practice location. A four-page questionnaire was mailed to 233 Alaskan family physicians. The background of the physicians and spouses had no significance in predicting future practice locations. Rural physicians were more likely than urban physicians to have had rural experience after entering medical school. Experience in a Third World country was not significant between rural and urban physicians. Significant factors for urban practice location were access to medical consultation, availability of CME, proximity of extended family/friends, employment/educational opportunities for spouse, cultural advantages, a salaried position, and children's educational opportunities. Factors significant for rural practice location were size of community, opportunity for subsistence hunting/fishing, and a feeling of being needed. Future practice location of Alaskan family physicians is not based solely on background prior to medical school, but on activities and attitudes shown predictive of practice location during medical training.