title: The New Zealand Vocational Trainee 2011 Survey: a national snapshot of vocational training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the opinions of New Zealand vocational trainees about the quality of their training.
  
  
  METHODS
  We surveyed New Zealand vocational trainees using an online questionnaire based on the Australian Medical Association Specialist Trainee Survey, in September and October 2011.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 24.8% with representation across training programs. Trainees expressed a high level of satisfaction with most aspects of their training, and results compare favourably with Australia. Access to training in the private sector, and value for money emerged as areas of concern, but also highlight the importance of reimbursed costs in the satisfaction of New Zealand trainees. Work life balance is of increasing importance to young doctors, and an unmet desire for extended leave from medical practice may present an issue for workforce capacity and training flexibility in years to come.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This survey provides a snapshot and a baseline, for future comparisons.
authors.affiliation: General Surgery, Taranaki Base Hospital, Weston, 4310, New Plymouth, New Zealand. joa305@gmail.com
authors.forename: Jonathon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Foo
authors.forename: Jesse
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gale
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Poynter
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blackett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D017407:Family Leave; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires