Careers in medicine: appointment to specialist training posts in Queensland in 1988

Appointments to accredited specialist training positions in the State of Queensland, Australia in 1988 were analysed to show the success rates of applicants. Women were less likely to apply for training, but gained proportionately more appointments than men. Other factors in success were application from a major teaching hospital, graduation from the State medical school and, for new applicants, an honours degree. The success rates in various specialties differed significantly as did their appeal to women and to honours graduates. It is concluded that new graduates need better information and advice on career choice and that individual disciplines need to look carefully at the image and organization of their training programmes.