General professional training in public health medicine--the Leicestershire Senior House Officer scheme.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the subsequent careers of the Senior House Officers (SHOs) who have passed through the Leicestershire SHO training scheme in public health medicine since its inception in 1981 and their views of the scheme. METHODS: Postal questionnaires were sent to past and current SHOs, using addresses compiled from personnel records, the Medical Directory and the General Medical Council Medical Register. One reminder letter was sent to non-responders. RESULTS: Of the 21 past SHOs, one is now a consultant and four are currently trainees in public health medicine. Other past SHOs have followed diverse careers but the largest group are now in general practice. The four past SHOs who are now trainees in public health gained no further clinical experience before obtaining registrar or lecturer posts. All past SHOs responded favourably when asked about the benefits of the scheme regardless of their subsequent career choice. CONCLUSION: The continuing need for high-calibre recruits to the specialty and the favourable response from past SHO trainees suggests that this scheme, and no doubt other similar schemes, should be making their benefits known to a wider audience.