Where Do Family Medicine Residency Graduates Practice? Implications for Workforce Distribution and Scope of Practice Among Kansas Graduates

Background and Objectives: Family physicians are essential to equitable access to comprehensive care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Graduate medical education programs are essential to preparing the future primary care workforce. Understanding where graduates practice is key to evaluating workforce impact and the environments that shape scope of practice. This study examined the geographic distribution of family medicine residency graduates and factors associated with practice location.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional workforce study examined practice locations of graduates from University of Kansas School of Medicine-sponsored family medicine residency programs. We used licensure databases to identify practice locations and classified them by rurality using Rural–Urban Commuting Area codes. We calculated distance from training site and in-state retention and we also examined timing of obtaining unrestricted licensure.Results: Among 1,221 graduates responding, 51.1% practiced in Kansas and 40.5% practiced in rural communities. The median distance from training location was 153.8 miles; 38.3% practiced within 100 miles. Graduates who obtained unrestricted licensure during residency practiced closer to training locations and were more likely to practice in rural areas. International medical graduates practiced farther from training sites and were less likely to practice rurally. Graduates of rural residency programs were more likely to practice in rural communities.Conclusions: Family medicine residency programs play a critical role in supporting regional and rural workforce needs. Training location, rural exposure, and clinical autonomy during residency may influence practice location. Understanding where graduates practice can inform workforce planning and policies that support comprehensive family medicine in underserved communities.