@article{10.22454/FamMed.2026.896916,
author = {Skariah, Joe M. and Roper, Whitney and Garvey, Brian T. and Schiefer, Rebekah and Gobel, Jennifer and Verdieck, Alexandra and Garvin, Roger D. and Rdesinski, Rebecca E.},
title = {Interests of Applicants to a 4-Year Family Medicine Residency},
journal = {Family Medicine},
volume = {58},
number = {6},
year = {2026},
month = {6},
pages = {404-411},
doi = {10.22454/FamMed.2026.896916},
abstract = {Background and Objectives: As the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Family Medicine explore time-variable and 4 year training through the Family Medicine AIRE initiative, little is known about contemporary medical student perspectives on extended family medicine residency. Prior work has focused on residents or applicants near graduation, and no study has queried medical students about a fourth year since 2006. Understanding current interests is essential as the specialty evaluates the role of time in competency-based education.
Methods: US MD and DO applicants to a 4 year family medicine residency program during the 2023 Match cycle were asked to respond to the prompt, “Why are you interested in our 4 year residency program, and how does it fit into your future plans?” We analyzed 403 essays using a deductive qualitative approach. Researchers developed and refined a codebook through iterative coding in ATLAS.ti, reconciliation of overlapping essays, auto-tag review, and collaborative theme development.
Results: Eleven thematic categories emerged. Frequently selected themes were scope and depth of practice, program-specific advantages, and preparation to care for specific populations. Applicants also emphasized developing niche clinical skills, nonclinical skills, and the value of additional time. Less common but meaningful themes included justice and health equity, multiple areas of passion, longitudinal relationships, and obstetrics-specific skill development.
Conclusions: Applicants described the 4 year structure as offering broader, deeper, and more individualized preparation for comprehensive family medicine practice. Their reflections highlight motivations important to current learners and can inform ongoing discussions about residency structure within the discipline.},
URL = {https://journals.stfm.org//familymedicine/2026/june/skariah-0508/},
eprint = {https://journals.stfm.org//media/rrgbxmwp/fammed-58-404.pdf},
}