Pilot Study Characterizing the Hematology-Oncology Fellow Job Search Process: Tools Used and Identification of Potential New Resources

Abstract

While the search for post-fellowship employment is an essential part of early career development, little is known about the tools and techniques fellows use during their job search and the specific challenges they face during the process. In this pilot survey study of hematology-oncology (HO) fellows at a large academic training program, the majority of 20 respondents (43% of all fellows) reported a plan to specialize in medical oncology, and most planned to practice in an academic setting. Fellows who had started the job search process reported using several tools/techniques including online job centers and email distribution lists, word of mouth, prior connections with other institutions, and their HO fellowship program leadership, and most reported that their current institution provided help for their job search in at least one way. Job search challenges included learning about available positions, lack of mentorship on the process, lack of sufficient time for the process, and lack of preparation for negotiation. Fellows suggested additional resources that could be helpful to future job searchers including access to information about prior HO fellowship graduates, training in negotiation and interviewing, and career development mentorship. We plan to use this information to expand our own Career Development program for fellows enacting many of these suggestions, and we encourage the use of this information as pilot data for the development of larger studies across other medical and surgical specialties.

Perceptions of the stressful job search for pediatric hematology/oncology fellows

“…An anonymous electronic survey was created by two PHO faculty with backgrounds and training in Medical Education and survey design. The survey tool was adapted from the published tool by Marshall et al., 9 which evaluated adult hematology oncology fellow job search process, with additional questions specific to pediatrics as well evaluation of emotional health outcomes. Three PHO program leaders and fellows piloted the survey and subsequent feedback was used to refine the survey questions and format 9 .…”

“…The survey tool was adapted from the published tool by Marshall et al., 9 which evaluated adult hematology oncology fellow job search process, with additional questions specific to pediatrics as well evaluation of emotional health outcomes. Three PHO program leaders and fellows piloted the survey and subsequent feedback was used to refine the survey questions and format 9 . From June to July 2021, PHO division chiefs and program directors from all 105 pediatric hematology‐oncology institutions (74 of which had PHO fellowship programs) within the United States were invited via e‐mail to complete the electronic Qualtrics survey and were asked to disseminate the link to their fellows.…”

Las listas de distribución de correo electrónico como herramienta informativa y de compartición del conocimiento

“…Como herramienta ha sido muy utilizada para la realización de estudios a través de cuestionarios, dado que llegan a grupos muy específicos (Mushtaq et al, 2014;Zonfrillo et al, 2014;Gabrysz-Forget et al, 2020;Peultier, 2020;Hervieux y Wheatley, 2021;Seashore y Nishi, 2021). También pueden servir como sistemas de alertas en crisis (Englehardt y LaBelle, 2020) e incluso la búsqueda de empleo (Marshall et al, 2021).…”