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Cited by 170Global Health Workforce IssuesDiversity and Career in MedicineMedical Education and Admissions

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 47 of the 48 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Why do medical graduates choose rural careers?

Open access
Henry, John, Edwards, Brian, Crotty, Brendan·2009·Rural and Remote Health
DOI 10.22605/rrh1083
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study is based on the metaphor of the 'rural pipeline' into medical practice. The four stages of the rural pipeline are: (1) contact between rural secondary schools and the medical profession; (2) selection of rural students into medical programs; (3) rural exposure during medical training; and (4) measures to address retention of the rural medical workforce. METHODS: Using the rural pipeline template we conducted a literature review, analysed the selection methods of Australian graduate entry medical schools and interviewed 17 interns about their medical career aspirations. LITERATURE REVIEW: The literature was reviewed to assess the effectiveness of selection practices to predict successful gradation and the impact of rural pipeline components on eventual rural practice. Undergraduate academic performance is the strongest predictor of medical course academic performance. The predictive power of interviews is modest. There are limited data on the predictive power of other measures of non-cognitive performance or the content of the undergraduate degree. Prior rural residence is the strongest predictor of choice of a rural career but extended rural exposure during medical training also has a significant impact. The most significant influencing factors are: professional support at national, state and local levels; career pathway opportunities; contentedness of the practitioner's spouse in rural communities; preparedness to adopt a rural lifestyle; educational opportunities for children; and proximity to extended family and social circle. Analysis of selection methods: Staff involved in student selection into 9 Australian graduate entry medical schools were interviewed. Four themes were identified: (1) rurality as a factor in student selection; (2) rurality as a factor in student selection interviews; (3) rural representation on student selection interview panels; (4) rural experience during the medical course. Interns' career intentions: Three themes were identified: (1) the efficacy of the rural pipeline; (2) community connectedness through the rural pipeline; (3) impediments to the effect of the rural pipeline, the most significant being a partner who was not committed to rural life CONCLUSION: Based on the literature review and interviews, 11 strategies are suggested to increase the number of graduates choosing a career in rural medicine, and one strategy for maintaining practitioners in rural health settings after graduation.

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Metadata

Authors
Henry, J., Edwards, B., & Crotty, B.
Affiliations
Deakin University (AU)
Venue
Rural and Remote Health
Publisher
Rural and Remote Health
Published
2009-02-28
Volume
9
Issue
1
Pages
1083-1083
ISSN
1445-6354 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.22605/rrh1083
OpenAlex
W2113454309
Cited by
169
References
48
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 20 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 19
FWCI
16.26
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Rural and Remote Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Deakin Research Online (Deakin University) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Global Health Workforce Issues
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Diversity and Career in Medicine
  • Social Sciences › Education › Medical Education and Admissions
Keywords
rural medical workforce, career choice, medical graduates, graduate entry medicine, student selection, rural exposure, rural retention, career aspirations, rural lifestyle, partner commitment
MeSH terms
Adult, Attitude of Health Personnel, Australia, Career Choice, Faculty, Medical, Health Services Needs and Demand, Humans, Internship and Residency, Life Style, Personnel Selection, Professional Practice Location, Surveys and Questionnaires, Residence Characteristics, School Admission Criteria, Students, Medical, Training Support, Victoria, Rural Health Services, Intention

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