Choosing a career in paediatrics: do trainees’ views change over the first year of specialty training?

Abstract

SummaryObjectivesTo look at why a regional cohort of UK doctors chose a paediatric career and to ascertain views on their career near the end of training year one.DesignA 20-item questionnaire was sent to all new regional paediatric specialty trainees. Three focus groups were held with trainees near the end of year one to elicit key themes.SettingWest Midlands Deanery, UKParticipantsTwenty-nine new regional paediatric specialty trainees in year one completed the questionnaire. A total of 15 trainees participated in the focus groups near the end of year one training.Main outcome measuresReasons for choosing a paediatric career and factors which further influence career choice for trainees during their first specialty training year.ResultsKey influencing factors for choosing paediatrics were enjoying working with children and positive undergraduate experience of the specialty. All trainees had paediatrics as their first choice specialty and undertook a paediatric Foundation post. Near the end of year one, doubts were cast on career aspirations due to seeing middle grade colleagues struggling with work–life balance and a growing feeling that family came first.ConclusionsSenior trainees need to be aware that they act as powerful role models for their more junior colleagues and therefore have an influential role on how juniors perceive a paediatric career. Family friendly flexible working patterns in paediatrics are vital to retain junior trainees. All paediatric staff are role models and need to be enthusiastic, keen to teach and to promote a positive working environment.

The association between trainee demographic factors and self-reported experience: Analysis of General Medical Council National Training Survey 2014 and 2015 data

“…Relation to other studies This is the largest published analysis of survey responses to compare the subjective experience of medical trainees to demographic factors. While these findings are consistent with previous work, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]10,11,14,[17][18][19][20][21][22] the numerical scores used also allow for quantitative comparisons to be made between the different trainee factors and outcome measures. 24 Furthermore, the General Medical Council National Trainee Survey is an annual survey, allowing the associations and differences between groups to be monitored yearly, and related to interventions targeting disparity.…”

“…Though reported as numerical outcomes within a 100 point scale, measures of subjective experience were not continuous, and were thus modelled as ordered categorical variables. The considered 88 (16) 90 (20) 56 (19) 95 (10) 100 2573 (18) Emergency medicine 6241 521 8 5720 5.77 84 (16) 90 (20) 31 (19) 90 (14) 100 2570 (18) General practice 80 (16) 80 (20) 50 (19) 91 (15) 100 2570 (18) Occupational medicine (16) 90 (20) 50 (21) 95 (14) 100 2575 (19) Paediatrics 84 (20) 80 (20) 58 (19) 94 (13) 100 2573 (17) Public health 80 (20) 68 (17) 94 (11) 100 ( 2080 2050 2995 14100 2572 ( measures were 'overall satisfaction', 'adequate experience', 'workload', 'clinical supervision', 'educational supervision', and 'access to educational resources'.…”

“…4,6,9,[12][13][14][15][16] It is likely that subjective experience also plays a role. 11,17 This may differ depending on grade, 18,19 specialty, 20 and deanery of training. [21][22][23] The General Medical Council National Trainee Survey monitors the quality of training and education of all doctors in the UK annually.…”

The Driving Factors Important for Evaluation Student's Opinion which Influenced Decision Making of Career Choice: Pediatrics as a Career Choice as an Example

“…In addition, the study participants also felt that the need for becoming an authority in the specialty was another main factor influencing the choice of pediatrics. Furthermore, good working atmosphere, supportive colleagues, positive experience during student life and the enthusiasm/commitment of teachers and experts in the field of pediatrics were also key factors influencing pediatrics as career choice ( 15 ).…”

Integrating teaching into everyday clinical practice

“…These changes have seen a significant expansion in all tiers of the medical workforce due to adjustments in working shift patterns, an increase in less-than-full-time doctors, moves towards consultant-led care and an increasingly specialised clinical caseload. Paediatrics, with a high number of female doctors compared with other hospital specialties3 and an expectation that senior paediatricians will deliver patient care, has felt these changes more than most. The potential ramifications for trainees are considerable and bring challenges for trainers and trainees alike.…”