Specialty resident perceptions of the impact of a distributed education model on practice location intentions

There is an increased focus internationally on the social mandate of postgraduate training programs. This study explores specialty residents' perceptions of the impact of the University of Calgary's (UC) distributed education rotations on their self-perceived likelihood of practice location, and if this effect is influenced by resident specialty or stage of program.

Residents participating in the UC Distributed Royal College Initiative (DistRCI) between July 2010 and June 2013 completed an online survey following their rotation. Descriptive statistics and student's t-test were employed to analyze quantitative survey data, and a constant comparative approach was used to analyze free text qualitative responses.

Residents indicated they were satisfied with the program (92%), and that the distributed rotations significantly increased their self-reported likelihood of practicing in smaller centers (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that the shift in attitude is independent of discipline, program year, and logistical experiences of living at the distributed sites, and is consistent across multiple cohorts over several academic years.

The findings highlight the value of a distributed education program in contributing to future practice and career development, and its relevance in the social accountability of postgraduate programs.