Demand for flexible training is increasing. The contribution of such trainees to the trained medical workforce is not clear.
Methods
All full time and flexible trainees in Scotland were ‘tracked’ at the completion of training.
Results
80% of flexible trainees took up a consultant post of which 93% were in Scotland. 82% of full time trainees took up a consultant post of which 80% were in Scotland.
Discussion
Flexible trainees become consultants at the same rate as their full time counterparts. They are commonly geographically tied and are therefore more likely to remain in Scotland and contribute to retention of doctors in this country.
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