GPRA has released the findings of their Dr wYse: The Next Generation research project, which profiles the opinions of Gen Y Medical Students and recent medical graduates.

The key objective of Dr wYse: The Next Generation was to identify how Gen Y medical students and recent medical graduates are currently accessing medical information and how this information is being used to reach a decision to choose a specialty in medicine.

The multi-method study, which involved three focus groups and a survey of over 600 medical students and recent medical graduates suggests that students are likely to make career decisions based on three key areas; their own experience within a specialty, others experience of a specialty and the overall impact of lifestyle.

Interestingly, the report claims that experience and lifestyle are perceived as more important than money when it comes to choice of specialty.

GPRA CEO, Mr Amit Vohra, said, “A number of studies have focused on what makes medical students and young doctors tick. In spite of the perennial association with money it is refreshing to note that when it comes to picking specialties the next generation of doctors are thinking a bit more than dollars on the table.”

The report highlights that the current student generation still refer to traditional sources for career advice. Peer conversations (78%), rotations and experience (59%) and conversations with mentors (46%) were determined as the most common of career information.

Mr Vohra concluded, “With a variety of tech-tools in the market and information pouring in from a raft of resources it is reassuring to note that some of the basics haven’t really changed much – the next generation isn’t as google dependent as we think and are taking a whole raft of complex areas into consideration when making career choices.”

Dr wYse: The Next Generation was conceived by GPRA and the multi-method study was conducted by Ipsos Australia. Key stakeholders were invited to form a research committee to refine the scope and outcomes of the research. This group provided critical feedback at various stages of the research and also provided funding assistance.

To view Dr wYse: The Next Generation report click here.

NTGPE was a key stakeholder body involved in setting the research scope for this project.
For enquiries contact:
Sabeha Mohamed, Communications Coordinator, GPRA
Phone: (03) 9629 8878 email: [email protected]