The contribution of Memorial University medical graduates to the family physician workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador
Abstract
Recruiting and retaining family physicians (FP) in rural communities has been an ongoing issue in Canada and other developed nations. The objective of this thesis was to analyze the long-term contribution that Memorial University medical graduate FP make to the physician workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). We found that 47% of our sample ever worked in NL, 15% ever worked in rural NL and 58% who ever worked in NL stayed for at least 10 years. Being from NL was a predictor of working in NL for at least 5 years and 10 years, respectively. Doing at least some residency at MUN was a predictor of working in rural NL. The study supports policies that encourage the admission of NL students to undergraduate and post-graduate medical programs at Memorial University. Future research should examine retention of Memorial University graduate specialists.