Publications by authors named "Alison Belton"
Aims: To review the demography of University of Otago Year 2 medical students for the period 2004-2008 to determine whether our graduates reflect the changing demography of New Zealand society.
Method: A demographic questionnaire was completed by students entering Year 2. This paper reviews data collected from 2004-2008 and compares the results with data collected between 1987-2000 and also with New Zealand census data.
Aims: To examine the influence of a number of variables, including age and medical school entrance category, on postgraduate retention of New Zealand (NZ) medical graduates.
Methods: An anonymised database was created of all graduates from the Otago School of Medicine (1999-2010), with demographic and entry category data. The NZ Medical Register was checked in January 2012 to identify which graduates remained in NZ.
Aims: To compare the academic performance and postgraduate career choices of a cohort of medical students who are older and more life experienced at time of medical school entry ("Other Category" students) with students admitted through standard entry admission pathways.
Methods: Examination performance, graduation rates, postgraduate specialisation and geographical location were compared between Other Category students and students entering via Standard Entry admission (including competitive first year entry and competitive graduate entry immediately after completing a Bachelor's degree).
Results: Compared with Standard Entry students, Other Category students had equivalent examination pass rates, significantly higher rates of distinction passes in examinations in Year 2 (OR 1.