Does a research requirement affect match rates for family medicine residency programs?

Background and Objectives: The effect of a research requirement on initial Match rates in family medicine has not been previously studied. This study's purpose was to examine the relationship between family medicine residency programs with a research requirement and initial Match rates for those programs in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Methods: Using information from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the NRMP, program characteristics were obtained, and the 2005 initial and 5-year aggregate Match rates were calculated. The relationship between the presence of a research requirement and fill rates (initial and 5-year aggregate) was analyzed using analysis of variance. To control for variables known to affect Match rates, multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: About one third of residency programs (31.4%) indicated that they have a resident research requirement. No significant difference in the initial Match rates nor the 5-year aggregate was noted between programs with or without a research requirement. The association did not change after controlling for program location, structure, and size of program. Conclusions: A research requirement in a family medicine residency program does not significantly affect Match rates in the NRMP.