Background and objectives: Many strategies have been used by academic institutions to address the shortage of rural family physicians. Fellowship training in rural family medicine represents one approach.
Methods: Tacoma Family Medicine developed a fellowship program of this type. Five years of operations are described, including applicants, educational outcomes, rural outcomes, and adverse outcomes.
Results: An adequate applicant pool does exist, composed of both applicants from residency and from practice. A curriculum of advanced obstetrics, electives, and a rural experience has been successful. Unforeseen problems included a strained relationship with family practice residents in the program and competition for community preceptors.
Conclusions: Family practice residencies with a mission of rural training are encouraged to consider the strategy of a rural fellowship.