An American Academy of Family Physicians' study of the practice location patterns of 1978-79 graduates of family practice residency programs is examined. The majority practiced more than 100 miles from their residency program. Physicians were likely to be practicing in a community similar to their backgrounds. (Author/MLW)

A combination of educational strategies for improving physician-health personnel distribution is proposed as a coordinated state level approach. Strategies used in South Carolina are described to exemplify the concept. A unique characteristic is the suggestion that health planners accept and plan for physician turnover in rural areas. (Author/JMD)