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 +/- 0.33vs. 3.40 +/- 0.39, p < .001), Step 1 (229 +/- 19vs. 220 +/- 21, p < .001), and Step 2 CK (240 +/- 18vs. 230 +/- 21, p < .001) scores, but did not pursue primary care specialties at a significantly higher percentage (52% vs. 51%, chi(2) = .051, p = .82). Conclusions: Further exploration of the associations between service and academic achievement and primary care specialty choice is warranted.