Factors influencing the enrolment of doctors in postgraduate courses in Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sri Lanka produces around 550 medical postgraduates each year. This study describes the current trends and factors influencing the enrolment of doctors in postgraduate training. METHOD: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among training and staff grade doctors working in teaching hospitals in Sri Lanka, using a self-administered questionnaire. The responses were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Of the respondents 41.3% (n=302), were intern house officers. There were representative numbers of graduates from all Sri Lankan medical faculties expect Rajarata and Eastern, both genders were equally represented and 2/3rds were married. 32% were registered in a postgraduate course and 48% intended to register. The top three choices among registrants were medicine (34%), paediatrics (15%) and surgery (12%) 3nd among intenders medicine (24.5%), surgery (15.3%) and paediatrics (11.7%). There was an equal gender distribution among both the intenders and registrants. >50% of registrants were within the first 300 in the merit list. Older the medical school higher the percentage of registrants. There was a positive correlation between extent of undergraduate career guidance and registering for postgraduate training. Reasons for not taking up postgraduate training included family issues, lack of confidence or interest in further education and a dislike for undertaking more responsibilities. 89% of registrants were satisfied with their postgraduate training. CONCLUSION: Position in the merit list, faculty of graduation and extent of career guidance during undergraduate training appeared to be influential factors for choosing postgraduate training. PG trainees are contented with the were registered in a postgraduate course and 48% intended to register. The top three choices among registrants were medicine (34%), paediatrics (15%) and surgery (12%) 3nd among intenders medicine (24.5%), surgery (15.3%) and paediatrics (11.7%). There was an equal gender distribution among both the intenders and registrants. >50% of registrants were within the first 300 in the merit list. Older the medical school higher the percentage of registrants. There was a positive correlation between extent of undergraduate career guidance and registering for postgraduate training. Reasons for not taking up postgraduate training included family issues, lack of confidence or interest in further education and a dislike for undertaking more responsibilities. 89% of registrants were satisfied with their postgraduate training. CONCLUSION: Position in the merit list, faculty of graduation and extent of career guidance during undergraduate training appeared to be influential factors for choosing postgraduate training. PG trainees are contented with the choice they make.