The career outcomes for doctors completing general practice vocational training 1990-1995.

backgroundWhile much has been published about the career outcomes of doctors who completed general practice vocational training prior to 1990, no evidence is currently available about those who have qualified since that time.

aimTo obtain information about the career paths of doctors who had completed general practice vocational training since 1990, and to compare the results with previously published data.

methodPostal questionnaire survey of all doctors completing vocational training during the period 1990-1995 in three regions of the United Kingdom. The study examined current work status, career path since completion of training, desire for and experience of part-time training, degree of difficulty in choosing and following a career, and the degree to which certain factors impeded career choice.

resultsThe overall response rate was 64.8%, although there was a significant difference between the response rates for men and women. While virtually all responders were employed, with the majority working in general practice, women were significantly less likely than men to be working as principals in general practice, for all cohorts. These results were very similar to those cohorts described in earlier studies. The career paths of doctors only became stable after about four years. Of those working in general practice, about 20% found it difficult to choose their career, and about 10% found it difficult to follow their career. Out-of-hours work was the major factor impeding career choice.

conclusionAlthough they are taking longer to reach, the final career destinations of doctors completing vocational training since 1990 are no different from those of earlier cohorts.