A national survey of career pathways of all graduates of vocational training programmes in GP in Ireland

Objectives: To examine the career pathways of all doctors who had completed a vocational training programme in general practice in the Irish Republic by 1992, with specific reference to their current post, job satisfaction and perceived barriers to career choice. Methods: Postal survey, using a structured questionnaire. Results: Two hundred and sixty-one of the 328 doctors responded (80%). 97% of the graduates of Irish vocational training programmes in general practice are in active medical practice, 84% in the Republic of Ireland and 82% in general practice. The vast majority are content or very content with their present post. While the proportion of men staying in general practice did not vary over time, the number of women remaining in general practice fell, with only 53% of the most recently qualified group currently working as GPs. A much higher proportion of men than women (68% compared to 28%) had become GP principals within the state sector. For those women who did attain this status, they took nearly twice as long as their male contemporaries (median 5.6 years compared to 2.6 years). Lack of available local posts, and for women, having children, were the main barriers to career progress. Conclusions: Most graduates of Irish vocational training programmes remain in general practice in the Republic of Ireland. However, particularly with the increasing proportion of women entering vocational training, improved structures, manpower planning and the introduction of formal arrangements for part-time practice in the state sector are urgently necessary.