Employment-seeking experiences of physiatry residents completing training during 1999

Despite increasing the need for physiatrists, there is more pressure on physiatry departments and training programs to reduce the number of resident training slots. Of 321 residents completing their training in June 1999 and surveyed by questionnaire, 161 (50%) responded to the survey. The factors accounting for a successful job search were analyzed. Surveys of graduating residents can provide accurate information on job opportunities and career choices; this information can be compared with previous physiatry manpower projections. Increasing difficulty in the job search process signals that the supply of residents may exceed the demand.