Gynaecological teaching associates in the 1990s

Chairmen of academic obstetrics and gynaecology departments in the USA and Canada were asked if they used gynaecological teaching associates (GTAs) and their opinions of their educational and cost effectiveness. Three-quarters of chairmen used GTAs and were satisfied with the educational aspects of GTA instruction. Departmental discretionary funds provided all or part of the GTA funding in 40% of departments and the medical school all or part of the GTA funding in 72%. As more monies came from departmental discretionary funds, chairmen were increasingly dissatisfied. Because the 1990s will be difficult financially, it was hypothesized that chairmen may eventually cancel GTA programmes as expendable 'luxuries'.