The market change came quickly, and this year's crop is more frustrated. Next year they will be more prepared and will have lower expectations. Now that patients are demanding more access to specialists, primary care physicians are not in as great demand. But the unemployment numbers for residents have been increasing. The survey polled residents in 31 specialties, including primary care.
Few residents know how to get ready to find a job, and most start late.
They don't understand capitation and managed care. Residency programs are not doing a very good job at preparing them because they assume the jobs will be there for residents. The remainder were either unemployed or had other plans. We have been told since medical school that primary care jobs are plentiful, but it feels like we don't have as many choices now. Now it is stockbrokers and people doing Internet startups.