Results of the 1996 National Resident Matching Program: family practice

The results of the 1996 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) set records in the number of positions filled in family practice residencies, with a 10.8% increase over 1995 (2,840 vs 2,563) and a 9.4% increase in positions filled with US seniors (2,276 vs 2,081). This is the largest number of US seniors choosing family practice in the history of the NRMP. A total of 196 (6.7%) more positions were offered in family practice through the NRMP, compared with 1995 (3,137 vs 2,941). Thus, 195 of these additional 196 positions were filled with US seniors. In keeping with the trend begun in 1992, 242 more positions were filled on July 1, 1996, than 1995 (3,494 vs 3,252), for a fill rate of 97.8%. Internal medicine residencies matched 67 fewer US seniors in 1996, while pediatric residencies matched 85 more US seniors. During the past 4 years, family practice has been the choice of 82.6% of the additional US seniors choosing a primary care residency. With continued record increased interest in family practice as a career choice and the need for more family physicians, priority support for the nation's family practice residency programs continues to be of critical importance.