Educating vocationally trained family physicians: a survey of graduates from a postgraduate medical education programme

INTRODUCTION: Since 1991 the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand has offered postgraduate qualifications specifically designed to educate general practitioners (GPs) about their unique work environment. AIM: To determine motivations and impacts of postgraduate education for practising GPs. METHODS: Survey of the 100 graduates of the University of Otago, Dunedin postgraduate general practice programme. Ninety five living graduates were approached and 70 (73.7%) responded. Quantitative data about disposition of respondents before enrolling and after completion of the programme were analysed using chi-square and paired t-tests. Free text responses about motivations, impacts and outcomes of the program were thematically analysed. RESULTS: 64 GPs graduated with a postgraduate diploma and 36 with a masters degree in general practice. Although the mean number of graduates was 3.5 and 2.0 (respectively), annual enrolments averaged 25.1. Most graduates (60.9%) were aged in their 40s when they started studying and most (94.3%) had a spouse and/or children at home. Intellectual stimulation and challenge motivated study. Outcomes included perceived improvement of medical care delivery; development of critical thinking about medical epistemology, education, and research; and personal growth. Graduates increased engagement in academic and advisory roles, published papers, and some completed doctoral studies. Respondents valued scholarship and enjoyed the learning environment, but felt their qualification had low perceived value within the profession. Cost and a perception of time commitment were important barriers to study. DISCUSSION: This voluntary postgraduate medical education complements traditional medical training but has low external value despite personal, practising and professional benefits. Graduates valued engagement above completion of a qualification.