[Mexico: evaluation of medical training based on the results of a national test given to candidates for medical residencies].

This study assesses the current status of medical education in Mexico by evaluating the IX National Medical Residency Examination. The results indicate that the personal background of the candidates is related to the probability of their passing the examination: age; marital status; number of times they have presented the examination; length of time between graduation from medical school and the examination; place where social service was performed; and work experience. The authors observe a strong tendency toward specialization in the professional curricula of the medical schools in Mexico, with a consequent neglect of the national health system's present need for primary care. They therefore suggest that the educational institutions give thought to alternatives that would better equip the country's human resources to deal with current needs.