A web-based cross-sectional survey of selective medical school admissions for medically underserved areas / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

ABSTRACT

<b>Introduction</b> Selective admission for medically underserved areas (Chiiki-Waku) has been increasing, but qualifications vary. We investigated the current state of these selective admissions to gain a better sense of their nature and to elucidate problems.<br><b>Methods</b> A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 77 medical schools that accepted applications for selective admission for medically underserved areas in 2013.<br><b>Results</b> There were a total of 1305 applicants for 148 slots at 62 universities. We observed 86 admissions at national universities, and 90 admissions through recommendation/ admissions office-based entrance exams. Thirty programs placed restrictions on employment after graduation, 84 required accepting scholarships, 8 required joining a specific organization as a condition in the pledge and 83 placed limits on place of origin of the applicant. Only 13 programs had special curricula for education in community medicine.<br><b>Conclusion</b> In some Chiiki-Waku, problems such as restriction on employment, the obligation to accept scholarships, and other inappropriate conditions were noted. Definition of students from rural backgrounds in Japan differs from the WHO guideline definition. Few programs offer special curricula covering community medicine.