Demographic Characteristics of NOSM Medical Students Associated with Intended Medical Discipline and Practice Location

Authors: M.G. Delmege, J.C. Hogenbirk, R.W. Pong

on behalf of the Research Team

Friday, June 4th, 2010

NHRC

Presentation Outline

• Survey Methods

• Overview of Results Examine associations between demographic

characteristics, intended medical discipline and practice location.

Examine associations, if any, between rural background and rural practice intent (Stagg model).

• Questions

Survey Methods

• All survey and interview protocols approved by Research Ethics Boards at Laurentian and Lakehead Universities.

• Surveyed all NOSM students during first year• At end of 2nd year• At graduation• During Residency• And beyond

• Our sample size is 139 respondents, covering 4 cohorts.

Definitions

• Rural Background

• Northern Ontario

Career Pathways

ENTRY MIDWAY

Demographics (n=139)

ENTRY MIDWAY

Gender Female 68% Male 32%

Background Northern Ontario 85% Rural 36% Urban 64%

Married or Living with a Partner 37% 39%

First Choice, Family MedicineFirst Choice, Royal College Specialty

49%51%

50%50%

Practice Location – Northern Ontario 61% 59%

Urban Career PathwayRural Career PathwayUndecided Career Pathway

17%63%21%

24%50%27%

Career Pathway (n=139)

Entry

Midway

Urban Rural Undecided Total

Urban 13 4 6 23

Rural 9 56 22 87

Undecided 11 9 9 29

Total 33 69 37 139

Pearson chi-square p<0.01

Profile of ‘Urban’ Career Pathway

Stayed Urban Changed OUT OF Urban

Changed INTO Urban

Number of Respondents 13 10 20

Female 62% 80% 65%

Northern Ontario Background 92% 100% 80%

Urban Background 100% 80% 70%

Entry Midway

Married or Living with a Partner 15% 15% 30% 20%

First Choice – Family Medicine 17% 15% 33% 20%

Practice Location – Northern Ontario

33% 46% 60% 45%

Profile of ‘Rural’ Career Pathway

Stayed Rural Changed OUT OF Rural

Changed INTO Rural

Number of Respondents 56 31 13

Female 64% 71% 77%

Northern Ontario Background 82% 90% 92%

Rural Background 56% 19% 46%

Entry Midway

Married or Living with a Partner 54% 55% 26% 62%

First Choice – Family Medicine 65% 73% 35% 46%

Practice Location – Northern Ontario

75% 61% 71% 46%

Profile of ‘Undecided’ Career Pathway

Stayed Undecided

Changed OUT OF Undecided

Changed INTO Undecided

Number of Respondents 9 20 28

Female 78% 70% 75%

Northern Ontario Background 67% 80% 93%

Urban Background 67% 60% 86%

Entry Midway

Married or Living with a Partner

11% 22% 40% 25%

First Choice – Family Medicine 44% 55% 35% 41%

Practice Location – Northern Ontario

44% 62% 40% 75%

Take Away Messages

• Small sample size interpret results with caution

1. Respondents who are staying Urban are from Urban areas (100%), and those who are staying Rural are from Rural areas (56%) BUT the percentage was much lower.

2. More of the respondents who are staying on a Rural pathway are inclined to Practice Family Medicine (73%) than those who Change out of (35%) or Change into (46%) the Rural Career Pathway.

3. More of the respondents who changed into an Undecided Pathway are inclined to Practice in Northern Ontario (75%) than those who stayed Undecided (62%). More of them are from Northern Ontario (86% vs 67%).

Acknowledgements

Research funding for the NOSM tracking study is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. CRaNHR and the research team wish to acknowledge the MOHLTC’s support.

Thank you

Contact infoMargaret G. Delmege, M.P.H. (Candidate) Research AssistantCentre for Rural & Northern Health ResearchLaurentian, University(705) - 675-1151 ext. 4369mx_delmege@laurentian.ca