Family Medicine Remains a Top Choice for UW SMPH Graduates

On Match Day 2025, many UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) students discovered that family medicine was their perfect fit. This year, 11 percent (19 students) of the graduating class matched into family medicine programs, continuing a strong trend for the specialty.

David Rakel, MD, chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH), expressed optimism about the future of family medicine. He highlighted that family medicine was the most chosen specialty among SMPH graduates in 2024. Rakel believes new pathway programs at DFMCH like Enhancing Representation to Improve our Community’s Health (EnRICH) and Promoting Leadership & Advocacy, Research, Innovation, Mentorship, and Engagement with Communities in Family Medicine (PRIME-FM) will further bolster the specialty’s growth and strength.

Overall, SMPH saw an increase in primary care specialty matches, with 40 percent (66 students) of the class choosing this path. Internal medicine led the way with 21 percent (34 students), while pediatrics accounted for 8 percent (13 students). Notably, one student matched in both internal medicine and pediatrics.

Nationally, the American Academy of Family Physicians reports family medicine experienced a slight dip in its fill rate, securing 85 percent of its 5,379 positions, compared to 88 percent last year. This decrease is attributed to the addition of 148 new positions in the match.

The National Resident Matching Program uses an algorithm to match students with residency programs based on mutual preferences. Match Day marks the transition from medical school to residency, where students gain specialized skills in their chosen fields.