Career Progression and Role of Videoconferencing Systems for Medical Doctors Graduating with Regional Quotas in Rural Areas in Japan
Keywords:
Career progression in rural areas, Obligation period, Specialist qualification, Regional quotas, Videoconferencing systemAbstract
Background: Jichi Medical University (JMU), established to address Japan's rural doctor shortage, trains students who, in exchange for free education, must work in rural areas for nine years as an obligation period (OP). This system may hinder their specialist training compared to urban physicians. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of this system on the attainment of specialist certifications and career progression among doctors.
Method: The study surveyed 81 JMU graduate doctors (JMUGDs) in Wakayama and 76 in Hyogo Prefecture, using a Google Forms® questionnaire to assess their board certification status, the impact of OP on their careers, and their views on the utility of videoconferencing systems.
Results: In Wakayama Prefecture, 40 out of 81 JMUGDs responded, and in Hyogo Prefecture, 22 out of 76 JMUGDs responded. Over 80% of JMUGDs in Wakayama and over 70% in Hyogo had board-certified specialties, exceeding the national average of 62.5% (Wakayama: 35/40 87.5%, Hyogo: 16/22 72.7%). Despite OP causing delays in specialization, over 70% JMUGDs had a favorable opinion of it. More than 90% of JMUGDs viewed videoconferencing as a valuable tool for career development, especially for tele-consultation and tele-education.
Conclusions: This survey revealed that, despite OP, JMUGDs achieve a higher rate of board-certified specialist qualifications compared to the Japanese average. Additionally, many JMUGDs found OP meaningful for career development and considered videoconferencing system beneficial.
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