Public Health Training in Internal Medicine Residency Programs A National Survey

Background: The IOM recommends public health training for all physicians. Data characterizing such training of internal medicine (IM) residents are lacking. Purpose: To describe the current state of public health education at IM residency programs, characterize programs offering public health education, and quantify interest in expanding training opportunities. Methods: IM residency program directors from the 380 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited residency programs in the U.S were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Responses were received from 127 programs (33%). Data were collected July–December 2012 and analyzed in January 2013. Participants were queried on domestic public health training offered, perceived resident interest in and satisfaction with this training, and interest in expanding training. Results: Eighty-four respondents (66%) provide some form of public health training, but structure and content vary widely. In many programs offering public health training, few residents (o10%