Fellowship training in family medicine: Results of a national survey

Background: Family medicine fellowship training has increased in extent and diversity over the past 15 years. We conducted a national survey to study the present status of fellowship training in our discipline. Methods: We surveyed all departments and divisions of family medicine in the United States as well as sources of other known training programs. Information was requested regarding type of fellowship, source of funding, location, benefits, curricula, degree programs, and positions offered and filled. Results: Data was obtained for 190 programs. Faculty development programs comprised the greatest proportion of fellowship programs (n=45 or 24%) and positions (n=129 or 33%), followed by geriatrics, sports medicine, and obstetrics. Programs with the highest fill rates were adolescent medicine (80%), substance abuse (75%), and obstetrics (74%). Faculty development, geriatrics, and sports medicine, with the largest number of fellowship positions, filled 35%, 54%, and 50% of available slots respectively. Duration, structure, and benefits of fellowship programs varied considerably. Conclusions: Fellowship training in family medicine offers a wide variety of opportunities for career development, but this data suggests that there are areas in which special attention should be placed to facilitate the most appropriate advancement of fellowship training in our discipline.