Survey of Graduating Residents Reveals Practice Trends

Late this summer, the Academy surveyed 500 PM&R residents graduating in 2006 and 2007 about their postresidency plans. Although not all respondents completed the entire survey, 127 did answer at least some questions.

The group was fairly evenly divided (52 percent yes; 48 percent no) about plans to pursue a fellowship. Among those who had committed to a fellowship, a little less than half planned to enter an ACGME-accredited program.

Survey findings indicate that inpatient-only practices are not a popular option among today’s graduates. Only 2 percent (n=3) of the 121 residents who responded to a query about future practice setting selected “inpatient-only” practice. The balance were split between outpatient only (51 percent) and combination inpatient/outpatient care (46 percent).

When asked about their future practice site, the largest number (46 percent) saw themselves in private group practice; half that number (23 percent) plan a hospital-based academic practice. Fifteen percent expect to practice in a hospital-based nonacademic setting, 7 percent plan private solo practice, and 10 percent indicated "other."

The bar graphs below show responses to two questions in the survey, one about present or future fellowship training and another about present or future practice disciplines. 

How would you best describe the focus of your present or future fellowship training? (Select all that apply)

How would you describe your present or future inpatient/outpatient practice? (Select all that apply)