LAUSR

BACKGROUND Despite being one of the largest medical specialty training programs in Australasia, there is no standardised method for selection into Basic Physician Training (BPT) and limited data exist regarding current practices. AIMS To address existing knowledge gaps, we aimed to create a 'snapshot' of current BPT selection practices and explore the perspectives of Directors of Physician Education (DPEs) regarding trainee selection. METHODS An electronic survey of DPEs from adult and paediatric medicine BPT sites in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken in January-February 2022. A combination of free text, multiple choice and yes/no answers were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. RESULTS A total of 70 responses were received, achieving a response rate of 35% (70/198). Selection practices were found to be heterogenous across BPT sites. Respondents had varying opinions regarding the utility of selection tools and desirable candidate attributes. A heavy reliance upon interviews and the reported use of subjective assessments raise concern for selection process bias. BPT sites should critically evaluate their selection methods and more research in this field is needed to establish best practice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.