The Rural Clinical School Tracking Project: more IS better--confirming factors that influence early career entry into the rural medical workforce.
BACKGROUND
This longitudinal tracking project by the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School (UQRCS) provides data on the early career pathways of alumni since its inception in 2002. Specifically we report on; (1) perceptions of the UQRCS regarding its influence on current career choice, (2) current speciality choices, and (3) factors that influenced these choices.


METHODS
A retrospective web-based survey of all graduates who undertook clinical Year 3, Year 4 or Years 3 & 4 at UQRCS from 2002 to 2006. Associations with demographics, Year(s) at UQRCS, current workplace and speciality choice were assessed.


RESULTS
Response rate was 69%, (N=180). Alumni who spent two years (Years 3 & 4) at UQRCS reported significantly higher degrees of encouragement to pursue a rural career. Alumni currently working in a non-urban location had spent two years at UQRCS and were significantly higher in desire to remain rural. 'Time spent at the UQRCS' contributed most to interest in a rural career. General practice and emergency medicine were most preferred specialities.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings confirm that a longer rural clinical experience is more effective in eventual choice of workplace location and future interest in a rural career. This corroborates the positive impact of Australian rural clinical schools toward rural medical workforce improvement.
Eley
Diann
D
School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia. d.eley@uq.edu.au
Baker
Peter
P
Chater
Bruce
B
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002321:Career Choice; D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013337:Students, Medical