The purpose of this study was to examine the career development of a sample of English medical graduates to assess: (i) the influences of career outcome and the interaction between professional career and other aspects of life development; (ii) the implication of these influences for medical manpower planning and the structure of medical care; (iii) the level and nature of doctors' involvement in decision making and policy within and outside medical care. Variables Speciality, posts achieved, wastage levels, migration, social background, medical school attended, academic record, marriage and parenthood, sponsorship and patronage.