How do trainees choose their training school?

Stephen Preston

Susan Cossins

Why audit?

• National application scheme for England and Wales– Increases chance of getting a post– Reduces control over geography

• MMC reduces temporal flexibility

• It is desirable to attract the best applicants and place them in the most suitable school

Parameters audited

• Factors used in making decision• Most important factor• Sources and adequacy of information• Opinions about:

– Geographies– Fairness

• Method:– Anonymised electronic form

Did trainees have enough information?

• Ideas for more information were:– Yr2-5 hospitals (18)

– Current trainee reviews (6)

– Subspecialty training (4)

– Open day (local/national) (4)

– No trainees in each centre (2)

– MRCPath pass rate (1)

Was the process fair?

• If not, why not?– 2nd round candidates knew

questions (2)

– Poor short listing (1)

– Did not get desired post (1)

– Unable to change mind once partner employed (1)

– Don’t know how allocations made (1)

– Allocations did not include application form scores (1)

How could the process be improved?

• Free text responses– Apply for a (more) specific rotation (3)

(especially London - 2)– Advise applicants of ranking (2)– Lost/incorrect paperwork – confirm offers and

responses on paper (2)– Make selection after accepting post (1)

Summary

• Most trainees have geographically fixed commitments– Family, partner, research

• Families are especially important to trainees• Most trainees had enough information

– NHS Histopathology website especially useful

• Majority felt that geographies too large• Most felt that the procedure was fair

Overall, school application went well – 83% in first choice, 12% second, 5% third

But 5 or 6 applicants declined their posts – nearly 10%

Proposals

• Min and Max numbers for each training school– Smaller numbers can be used to improve flexibility

• Improve information– Y2-5 hospitals, open days, trainee reviews etc

• Offer more specific geographies– Overlap to maintain flexibility?

• Follow-up e-mail offers with paper letters• Regain control over application procedure

Any questions?