Objective　To investigate the willingness of medical students to work in primary health care institutions. Methods A cross-section survey was conducted to investigate the willingness and the reasons

involving 597 undergraduate medical students and 2088 junior college students. Results　The employment willingness of undergraduate medical students was relatively low (14.9%)

while the employment willingness of junior college students was high (56.02%). The top three factors of low employment willingness were: less opportunities for personal development

poor working environments and welfare. Moreover

the most effective method to cultivate medical students was developing a free training project for rural-oriented medical students

and the best method to attract medical students was formulating a more beneficial comprehensive policy. Conclusion　The willingness of clinical medical students to be employed in primary health care institutions is low for the time being. It is suggested to improve their willingness by improving welfare benefits

providing personal development opportunities

and strengthening social security.