[Scientific qualifications of younger physicians in residency in Denmark 1998-2003].

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to describe the scientific qualifications of younger physicians in residency in Denmark during 1998-2003.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data consist of all applications for residency during 1998-2003 in 21 medical specialties. 1920 physicians in residency are included in the study. Connections between scientific activities and the residents' specialty and education (university, foundation year (1 year), and first year of specialist training) are investigated.

RESULTS

74% of young physicians in residency have scientific qualifications and 16% have a PhD or a doctor's degree. Scientific qualifications vary much between specialties. Physicians graduated from Aarhus University have higher scientific qualifications than physicians educated from the other universities; in essence because more have a PhD. Physicians with first year of specialist training from a university hospital have higher scientific qualifications than physicians with training from other hospitals. Foreign physicians have low scientific production. Physicians with a PhD or a doctor's degree have a significantly higher candidate age than the average for all residents, but it does not equal the time a PhD takes.

CONCLUSIONS

No reduction in residents' total scientific qualifications were found in the period 1998-2003, but there is a tendency towards greater spread in scientific qualifications among the residents. Specialty, university and first year of specialist training are all factors that influence young physicians' scientific activities.