Publication:

Professional outcome of medical graduates: a 17 year cross-sectional study from India

Background In India, long term data regarding professional outcomes and geographical distribution of enrolled medical graduates is lacking. This adversely impacts policy for efficient healthcare delivery.

Methods A cross sectional survey of students enrolled as medical graduates in year 2001 was done at single point follow up after 17 years. Along with demographic data, gender, seat quota, post-graduate qualification, type of practice, discipline of choice and current geographic locations were collected. Logistical regression model with odds ratio was used to analyse association between variables.

Results 192/200 medical graduates were analysed. Male: female ratio was 119: 73. 109 (56%) had post-graduate degree, 35 (18%) had post-graduate diploma, while another 24 (12.8%) completed super-specialty degree.125 (65%) completed post-graduation in clinical disciplines. 103 (54%) are serving government institutes. 54 (28%) practice in metro cities, while 48 (25%) are in non-metro capital urban locations. Only 44 (23%) are serving rural Indian population, while 17 (9%) are at foreign countries. General medicine (12.5%), obstetrics (8%), paediatrics (8%) anaesthesia (7%) and general surgery (6.7%) were the most common broad clinical specialities. Females had high likelihood to pursue obstetrics/ gynaecology {OR-11.4 (95%CI-2.6-48.7)}; while males were more likely to select medical {OR-0.54 (95% CI-0.25-1.0)} and surgical disciplines {OR- 0.42 (95% CI-0.18-0.98)}.

Conclusions Majority of medical graduates complete post-graduation courses, with preference for clinical disciplines. Less than one fourth of doctors serve rural population.