Abstract:
Aim Relative shortages of rural doctors persist. In 2008 the University of Auckland medical programme introduced a Year 5 regional and rural immersion programme, Pūkawakawa, based in Northland, New Zealand (NZ). This study evaluates the early workforce outcomes of graduates of this programme. Method During 2013 we surveyed Auckland medical graduates who were in the 2008–2011 Pūkawakawa cohorts. Questions were asked regarding recent and current place of work, future intentions for place of work, and career preference with reasons why. Qualitative analysis was undertaken to analyse free text responses about experiences of Pūkawakawa on this choice. Results Of the 72 Pūkawakawa participants, 45 completed the survey, for a response rate of 63%. In 2013, 62% were working in rural or regional areas, with 31% in the Northland DHB. The great majority intend to work rurally or regionally, with 35.6% intending to return to Northland DHB. Of the respondents, 68% listed general practice in their top three future career intentions Conclusion In the early postgraduate years, medical graduates who participated in Pūkawakawa are very likely to be working in rural and regional areas. These graduates also show an intention to work in general practice and rural medicine.
