title: Using a symbolic interactionist approach to role and identity to illuminate medical student avoidance of primary care.
abstract: A symbolic interactionist approach is presented and analyzed in reference to helping solve the problem of medical students not choosing primary care practice for a career. The concepts of "Role" and "Identity" are examined in the social interaction context of pre-med and med students and the larger environment in the United States. Recommendations for application of these findings in selection of students and their training are included.
authors.affiliation: U. S. Agency for International Development, New Delhi, India. kimwaller@gmail.com
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Waller
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013561:Symbolism; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce