Some perceived postgraduate education needs of house surgeons. Registrars and specialists.

In December 1974 questionnaires concerning postgraduate education were sent to all New Zealand medical practitioners. This paper refers to the replies from house-surgeons/registrars and from specialists. Fifty-seven percent of the house surgeons/registrars replied to their questionnaire. Nearly 70 percent of those who chose general practice expected to train vocationally for this discipline wholly in New Zealand, compared with nearly 60 percent of pathology/radiology and undecided candidates, and 20 to 35 percent of medical surgical and O and G candidates. On the average the house officers will expect full-time continuing medical education (CME) for about three weeks every one to three years and local CME for about three hours each week. Seventy percent of GP candidates and 30 percent of specialist candidates expected and full-time CME to be in New Zealand. Fifty-six percent of the specialists gave information. Only 14 percent had trained solely in New Zealand and 80 to 90 percent of physician and surgeon groups had trained beyond Australasia. Full-time CME amounted to about five days each year and local CME to about two hours each week. New Zealand CME was not rated highly, but visiting overseas specialists were regarded as essential by most respondents, as was travel overseas for vocational training and CME. Learning methods most preferred were reading, lectures followed by small group discussions and plenary sessions, and small groups using member expertise. Television, tapes and films were poorly regarded.