The nationwide program of financial aid for students enrolled in medicine and osteopathy, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is evaluated. The foundation made scholarship and loan funds available to students with minority backgrounds, to women students, and to students from rural areas. The evaluation study sought to determine whether students selected for financial aid tended to choose generalist careers and subsequent practice in underserved areas, and whether the funds were needed. The decision to support students from minority backgrounds appeared to be leading to the anticipated results, but it was less clear whether support awarded to women and students from rural backgrounds accomplished a similar purpose. Until federal financial support reduced in 1975-76, there was a surplus of aid funds available to students. Specific findings regarding black physicians are presented. Among the study conclusions are the following: targeting on particular groups of students can only modestly change the selection of career and practice location; and external funds to support needy students in schools of medicine and osteopathy are now critically needed. (SW)