Factors influencing the practice choices of Australian

Doctors ’ choices of specialty, practice location and hours of work are critical issues in a climate of workforce mal distribution. Using social cognitive career theory [1] as the theoretical framework for this research, we investigated the association between Australian medical students ’ career aspirations and their career decision making attitudes, values, background and demographic factors. Participants, methods and results A national cross-sectional study using a web-based survey design was conducted and all Australian medical schools were invited to participate. Given the current stage of their degree, first- and final year students were asked to indicate the medical specialty and practice location that they would most likely choose, and the amount of time they expected to work when all medical training was complete. We assessed career decision-making attitudes using measures of self-efficacy, professional and lifestyle outcome expectations, goals and barriers salient to choosing a specialty and practice location. Values relating to the practice of medicine were assessed using six core values: prestige (to be recognised by others as a top physician), service (to care for others regardless o