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Changes in job aspirations during physician training in Australia
S Kanagarajah1, J H Page, R F Heller
1Illawarra Area Health Service, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Port Kembla Hospital, NSW.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Physician training in Australia influences practice plans, with trainees shifting towards urban, research-inclusive careers. The study highlights the need for revised training to support rural practice and part-time work for women.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physician Training
- Career Development
Background:
- Uncertainty exists regarding how physician training affects planned practice features in Australia.
- Trainee plans for urban/rural, full-time/part-time, and academic/clinical practice may vary by gender and specialty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in anticipated practice patterns during advanced physician training in Australia.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of Australian physicians who passed the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Part I exam (1991-1993), followed annually until 1995.
- Analyzed changes in plans for work hours, location (rural/urban), and practice type (clinical/research) based on gender and specialty.
- Utilized chi-square trend statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients for analysis.
Main Results:
- 80% of respondents provided follow-up data; most secured desired training positions.
- A significant shift occurred during training, with ~80% planning to practice in capital cities, up from initial preferences.
- Trends showed increased interest in combining research with clinical practice and more women desiring part-time work. Generalists were more inclined towards non-capital city practice than specialists.
Conclusions:
- Australian physician training programs require revision to actively encourage rural and provincial practice.
- Training needs to be sensitive to physician needs for research capacity development.
- Career opportunities must support all candidates, especially women, in achieving full potential with part-time employment options.