Training Chosen by Physicians Who Passed the Single Examination for Medical Residency and Did Not Occupy the Position

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing trend not to accept the medical residency positions offered by the Single Examination of the Argentine Ministry of Health for certain specialties and regions of the country. It is unknown which training options are chosen by those who do not accept such positions. OBJECTIVES: To recognize the alternatives of training chosen by physicians who, after having passed the Single Examination in 2013, decided not to accept the position, determining their motivations, expectations and representations regarding residency training. METHODS: A qualitative-quantitative design was used. Initially, a cross-sectional study was performed, applying a closed questionnaire to an intentional sample composed by applicants from the provinces of Santa Fe, Neuquén, Salta and San Juan. That was followed by a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews, which looked at the reasons of the decision. RESULTS: The positions were rejected due to: training option different from the one obtained by the Single Examination (58%) as well as other expectations regarding lifestyle (28%) and quality of training and job prospects (14%). The training place was chosen considering, above all, the institutional reputation and being close to beloved people. CONCLUSIONS: The medical residency is the preferred option for medical specialization. Given that enough jobs are offered, the challenge is how to bring together personal expectations and sanitary needs.