What impact do undergraduate experiences have upon recruitment into psychiatry?

Abstract

The Scottish Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists conducted a survey of members and fellows in 2003 on recruitment and retention within psychiatry. Responses relating to retirement intentions of consultants have been published previously (Eagleset al, 2005). Respondents were asked to give views about improving recruitment, and by far the most common suggestion was that this could be achieved by enhancing undergraduate teaching in psychiatry. This paper will discuss the ways in which undergraduate experiences may have an impact upon recruitment.