Profiles of applicants for junior faculty posts to teach anatomy in the UK: changing populations of candidates.

This study was undertaken to document the popularity of appointments as temporary lecturer in anatomy (TLA) at the University of Manchester during the period 1991-1998, and to profile the applicants for the posts. Data concerning 465 applicants were collated from departmental records and application forms. Prior to 1996, there were about seven applicants per post and most were men who intended to pursue surgical careers. The mean age of the applicants was 26 years, range 22-61 years. Graduates of Manchester University formed 28% of applicants, non-UK graduates 11%, and 52% possessed qualifications additional to their medical degrees. After 1996, there were fewer applicants, about three per post, who were somewhat older, mean age 30 years, range 21-52 years, and from more diverse backgrounds; 40% were non-UK graduates. The probable reasons for the decline in popularity of the appointments are explored. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.