Background: There is currently a shortage of surgeons working in rural Australia. This may be due to partner dissatisfaction with rural placements during training.
Methods: A questionnaire encompassing logistic, financial and emotional aspects of peripheral placements was distributed to trainees and their partners. A similar questionnaire was also distributed to 25 rural surgical consultants.
Results: Seventy-four per cent of trainees were either married or in long-term relationships. A further 24% had children. The average number of residential moves per year of training was 0.74. Respondents reported difficulties that included accommodation suitability, general practitioner availability, financial burden and finding amenities such as school and crèches. Many (66%) partners had experienced high levels of isolation or loneliness, whereas some reported the development of a stress-related disorder, depression or anxiety. Most respondents indicated that their partner would influence their decision to work in a given location. Furthermore, 20% of consultant surgeons had either moved town or had seriously considered moving town because of their spouse or children's dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: Training in peripheral locations causes significant stress to the trainee and their families. These experiences dissuade trainees from working in rural locations as consultants.