Attitudes and expectations of 1995 gastroenterology graduates about gastroenterology.
OBJECTIVE
To learn more about current attitudes and expectations of recent (June 1995) graduates of gastroenterology fellowship programs, why they chose either a private practice or academic career, and what impact managed care or health care reform had in their decision.


METHODS
Between April and June 1995, and 8-page, 35-question survey questionnaire was mailed to graduating fellows and returned for evaluation.


RESULTS
Graduates believed managed care had an impact on job availability, but it was not a factor in their job choice. Forty percent of the respondents reported that finding a job was either difficult or very difficult. The majority of respondents (67%) are pursuing a career in private practice. Most private practice physicians (PP) trained in 2-yr programs whereas academic physicians (AC) trained for the most part in 3-yr programs. The principal criteria on which decisions regarding job selection were based were similar between the two groups: co-workers, geographic location, access to patient care, and ability to perform endoscopy. Respondents in PP and AC expected to work 50-70 h/wk, care for patients with similar diseases, and have ample time for family. They would choose GI again as a career and believed that there is a future in GI. Salary expectations varied markedly between the two groups, and AC physicians were more concerned about their future financial needs. Twenty percent of PP physicians and 71% of AC physicians plan to participate in clinical research.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent graduates of gastroenterology fellowship programs continue to have high expectations of their future careers. Although some had difficulty finding a job and stated that, although managed care had an impact on the job market, it had not yet become a major factor in their job selection.
McCashland
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Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA.
Zetterman
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Ruby
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McCashland
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Wigton
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D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D011331:Private Practice; D012106:Research; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States