Advanced Choice Employment (ACE) factors influencing PGY-1 workplace selection and future career intentions of a cohort of doctors in Waikato.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether or not a sample of PGY-1 doctors in the Waikato region remained satisfied with the ACE system for employment 12 years after its inception.


METHODS
An anonymous paper-based survey was completed by a cohort (n=60) of 2015 and 2016 PGY-1 doctors based at the Waikato DHB. Questions were based around reasons for selecting the DHB, satisfaction with the ACE process and future career intentions.


RESULTS
Overall satisfaction with the ACE selection process was reasonable (63%). Over 60% of the 2015 and 2016 cohorts chose Waikato as their first choice DHB, and of those, over 90% intended to carry on through to at least PGY2 level at the DHB. An overwhelming majority (93-96%) intended to continue practicing in New Zealand.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent trends were observed across the two cohorts in regards to their reasons for selecting the DHB, satisfaction with ACE and future intentions, with some differences observed with familial background and interest in pursuing hospital-based specialties. Our findings suggest that ACE remains a satisfactory recruiting system for postgraduate junior doctors, however, motives around initial DHB selection and future vocational intentions remain unclear and warrant further investigation.
Medical Education Officer, Clinical Education and Training Unit Hamilton.
Helen
H
Clark
Director of Clinical Training, Clinical Education and Training Unit Hamilton.
Wayne
W
de Beer
Team Leader - Clinical Effectiveness, Quality and Patient Safety, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton.
Veronique
V
Gibbons
D002321:Career Choice; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D009520:New Zealand; D010820:Physicians; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration*