Comparison of female and male graduates of southern Appalachian family practice residencies.
OBJECTIVE
One aim of Southern Appalachian family practice residencies is to produce graduates for surrounding physician-needy areas. Some evidence suggests that women are less likely to go to rural areas and that they practice differently than men. This study investigated the practice patterns and location of Appalachian family practice residency female and male graduates.


METHODS
Surveys were sent to graduates of seven family practice residencies from 1984 to 1994 in the Southern Appalachian area to determine practice patterns, locations, and reasons for choosing practices.


RESULTS
Women were more likely than men to be single and not to have children. More women worked part-time. Women's and men's practice patterns and characteristics were similar except that women were more likely to provide prenatal care and do vaginal deliveries. Women in similar percentages practiced in small towns, and a greater percentage of women practiced in rural areas with populations of less than 2,500.


CONCLUSIONS
Female family practice residency graduates from Appalachian residencies are fulfilling the purposes of their residencies as well as male graduates, although more of them are working part-time.
Rosenfeld
J A
JA
Bristol Family Practice Residency, East Tennessee State University, Tenn, USA.
Zaborlik
P M
PM
D001061:Appalachian Region; D002321:Career Choice; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005190:Family; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009774:Obstetrics; D010820:Physicians; D010822:Physicians, Women; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors