It would be most interesting to see how UK graduates attitudes to
practising medicine have changed since this study was conducted in 1999.
Some anecdotal evidence: I graduated in 2004 from Newcastle Medical School
and most of my friends have been encouraged to go into General Practice
for lifestyle reasons, which maybe be partially due to the new GP contract
which gives the opportunity to limit out-of-hours commitments. This study
also does not show what the total proportion of non-UK European Union and
fee-paying students from outside the European Union is. Some are expected
by their government to return to their country of origin. The question
"Apart from temporary visits abroad, do you intend to practise medicine in
the United Kingdom for the foreseeable future?" might not capture those
who would consider working in another country for a few years, which at
this young age is hardly temporary. The survey was conducted at the end of
the PRHO year, which is a particular period of dissillusionement and soul-
searching. Perhaps a cohort study would better answer whether junior
doctors actually do what they say?
Rapid Response:
More than words?
Dear BMJ,
It would be most interesting to see how UK graduates attitudes to
practising medicine have changed since this study was conducted in 1999.
Some anecdotal evidence: I graduated in 2004 from Newcastle Medical School
and most of my friends have been encouraged to go into General Practice
for lifestyle reasons, which maybe be partially due to the new GP contract
which gives the opportunity to limit out-of-hours commitments. This study
also does not show what the total proportion of non-UK European Union and
fee-paying students from outside the European Union is. Some are expected
by their government to return to their country of origin. The question
"Apart from temporary visits abroad, do you intend to practise medicine in
the United Kingdom for the foreseeable future?" might not capture those
who would consider working in another country for a few years, which at
this young age is hardly temporary. The survey was conducted at the end of
the PRHO year, which is a particular period of dissillusionement and soul-
searching. Perhaps a cohort study would better answer whether junior
doctors actually do what they say?
Dr Jan Coebergh
PRHO Royal Victoria Infirmary,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests