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Factors influencing the choice of practice location among Canadian otolaryngologists

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2019

J Cottrell*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
P You
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
K Fung
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Justin Cottrell, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Objectives

Little is known about what shapes the choice of employment location in a competitive surgical specialty like otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. This study aimed to identify factors important in determining practice location among Canadian otolaryngologists

Methods

An online survey was distributed nationally to active members of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The survey collected data on general demographics, current practice description, training location, factors deemed important in practice location decisions, and job satisfaction.

Results

A total of 122 survey responses were collected, with a similar proportion of participants in academic versus community practice. The majority of respondents (73 per cent) practised in the same province as their residency training. Participants identified job vacancy, colleague interaction, spouse opinion and hospital services as important in the decision of practice location.

Conclusion

Key determinants of practice location among Canadian otolaryngologists include job vacancies, spouse opinion, and colleague interactions. Overall, Canadian otolaryngologists report high satisfaction with current employment.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019 

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Footnotes

Dr J Cottrell takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

Presented orally at the 71st Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery annual meeting, 10 June 2017, Saskatoon, Canada.

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