Academic achievement and primary care specialty selection of volunteers at a student-run free clinic.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reached conflicting conclusions about the associations between service and academic achievement and service and primary care specialty choice.

PURPOSES: This study examines the associations between service at a student-run clinic and academic achievement and primary care specialty choice.

METHODS: Retrospective review of medical student service and statistical analysis of grade point average (GPA), Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores, and specialty choice were conducted, as approved by our Institutional Review Board.

RESULTS: Volunteers, compared to nonvolunteers, had higher GPA (3.59 ± 0.33 vs. 3.40 ± 0.39, p < .001), Step 1 (229 ± 19 vs. 220 ± 21, p < .001), and Step 2 CK (240 ± 18 vs. 230 ± 21, p < .001) scores, but did not pursue primary care specialties at a significantly higher percentage (52% vs. 51%, χ² = .051, p = .82).

CONCLUSIONS: Further exploration of the associations between service and academic achievement and primary care specialty choice is warranted.