Why a longitudinal study?
Australian and international research, predominantly based on cross-sectional surveys, recognises that doctors and medical students take complex combinations of personal, professional, social and health factors into consideration when deciding where, when, and in what specialty to work: for example concerns about excessive workloads, lack of locums and poor access to professional support for doctors in rural and remote areas have been well publicised. Flexibility, advancement and work/life balance are essential for members of “Generation Y” (those born between 1980 and 1994) making career decisions, with salaries and retirement packages less important than opportunities for career growth. Overseas studies have identified that doctors will consider potential future colleagues, research and teaching opportunities and increased control over working hours as well as geographic location when choosing a specialty in which to practice. The Doctors’ e-cohort Study will prospectively examine th
