Using a symbolic interactionist approach to role and identity to illuminate medical student avoidance of primary care

A symbolic interactionist approach is presented and analyzed in reference to helping solve the problem of medical students not choosing primary care practice for a career. The concepts of "Role" and "Identity" are examined in the social interaction context of pre-med and med students and the larger environment in the United States. Recommendations for application of these findings in selection of students and their training are included.