Completing an intercalated research degree during medical undergraduate training: barriers, benefits and postgraduate career profiles

Abstract

Aim: To undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the intercalated research degree at the School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand and to ascertain the career profiles of Auckland medical graduates who completed the intercalated degree programme.

Method: A questionnaire was devised and mailed to all Auckland MBChB graduates (1972-2005) who completed an intercalated research degree during the undergraduate medical course.

Results: Among 50 graduates who met the inclusion criteria (mean of 1.5 per annum), 30 (60%) completed the questionnaire. An interest in a career in research and academic medicine was the most commonly cited reason for undertaking an intercalated degree. Eighty percent of respondents encountered some problems during the intercalated year, with the most common reported being loss of contact with friends in the medical course. The satisfaction associated with an intercalated degree was generally high, with 90% giving an affirmative response to the statement that 'it was a worthwhile endeavour.' However, a majority of respondents were reluctant to do the intercalated degree again if given time over as a medical student in the current environment (33% affirmative versus 43% negative). Only one respondent was in general practice, whereas 73% of the respondents were either consultants or trainees in other specialties. Ninety percent of the respondents had been involved with research since graduation and 33% already possessed a higher research degree, such as MD or PhD.

Conclusions: Despite the extremely low uptake rate of the intercalated degree option, the graduates who took the intercalated degree option were generally satisfied with their experience. However, although the majority of respondents reported that the intercalated degree was worthwhile and 90% had also completed further research since graduation, 43% would be reluctant to pursue an intercalated degree in the current environment.