The Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine received a Top 10 Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians for its contribution to providing family physicians for the nation.
The annual award recognized the 10 allopathic medical schools that, during a three-year period, graduate the greatest percentage of students who choose family medicine. The Carver College ranked 10th with 14.6 percent of graduates entering family medicine.
"We're very proud that our College is being recognized for this important accomplishment. Family physicians are vital to a vibrant health care system and essential if we are to improve access and quality while reducing the rising costs of health care in America," said Paul James, MD, professor and head of family medicine.
The academy noted that the top 10 schools use initiatives that support students interested in, and most likely to become family physicians. At the Carver College, training in family medicine and community-based practice are a long-standing, integrated part of the medical curriculum.
Family medicine clinical education for UI medical students is a statewide endeavor by family physicians affiliated with the Department of Family Medicine.
Students in the Carver College of Medicine routinely evaluate the family medicine course as one of their highest rated clinical experiences. Additionally, students train with family physicians and have complementary experiences through community health organizations in a required course coordinated regionally by six UI-affiliated medical education centers. The centers also offer postgraduate training opportunities (residencies) for students seeking careers in family medicine. These residencies have been a major source of Iowa's supply of family doctors.
"These exceptional experiences provide students with credible role models worthy of emulation," James said. "This award is a recognition of the success of our programs in producing exceptionally well-trained physicians committed to providing comprehensive cares to families in our communities."
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