KMID : 1104220220340040273
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Korean Journal of Medical Education 2022 Volume.34 No. 4 p.273 ~ p.280
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Factors predicting rural location employment intent and choice among medical students and graduates
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Guilfoyle Charis
Huang Pin-Hsiang Forster Lesley Shulruf Boaz
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Abstract
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Purpose: Workforce shortage is a contributing cause of health inequality in rural Australia. There is inconclusive evidence demonstrating which factors cause doctors to choose rural practice. This study¡¯s objective is to determine predictive factors for medical students¡¯ intent to work rurally and for graduates¡¯ current rural employment location choice.
Methods: This prospective cohort study, utilized data gathered from the University of New South Wales about students and graduates who had spent one or more years in a Rural Clinical School. Participants were final year students and graduates already working in Australia. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors for the two outcomes.
Results: Predictors for student intent to work rurally are rural background (odds ratio [OR], 7.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.59?19.53), choosing to study at the Rural Clinical School (OR, 8.72; 95% CI, 1.32?57.63), and perceiving rural areas as opportunistic for career advancement (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.15?2.49). Predictors for graduates currently working in a rural location are Bonded Medical Program participation (OR, 6.40; 95% CI, 1.15?35.59) and personal altruism (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.02?3.57).
Conclusion: While intent is predicted by having a rural background, choosing to study at the Rural Clinical School and perception of rural areas as having positive career opportunities, a current rural workplace location among graduates is predicted by holding a bonded medical position and a desire to serve an under-resourced population. Maintaining the Bonded Medical Program and clear communication regarding training pathways may increase numbers of rural doctors.
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KEYWORD
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Rural health, Health workforce, Medical education
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