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How can we make renal medicine careers more appealing to UK trainees?

ABSTRACT: Background:There is a global decline in interest in careers in renal medicine. This is concerning given the increasing global burden of kidney disease. Previous studies in the USA and Australia have identified factors such as a poor work-life balance, lack of role models and the challenging nature of the speciality as possible reasons behind recruitment struggles. This study aimed to identify factors associated with declining interest among trainees in the UK. Methods:We conducted a survey of 150 National Health Service Foundation trainees (interns) and Core Medical Trainees in Health Education West Midlands. Participants completed a 14-part paper-based questionnaire capturing data on trainee demographics, medical school and postgraduate exposure to renal medicine and perceptions of a career in renal medicine. Results:There was limited early clinical exposure to renal medicine both in terms of time spent in the speciality and perceived exposure to the range of domains of the speciality. Trainees perceived the speciality as complex with a heavy workload. Very few trainees considered the speciality to be lifestyle oriented. There was also disinterest in taking on the associated general medicine commitments of the training programme. Job experience and identification of role models increased the likelihood of consideration of the speciality. Conclusion:This survey has identified key areas to drive interest in the speciality, including early engagement, enthusiastic supervision and increased training flexibility. Urgent attention is required to address these areas and make renal medicine careers more appealing.

SUBMITTER: Karangizi AHK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6768304 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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How can we make renal medicine careers more appealing to UK trainees?

Karangizi Alvin H K AHK Chanouzas Dimitrios D Mahdi Amar A Foggensteiner Lukas L

Clinical kidney journal 20190206 5

<h4>Background</h4>There is a global decline in interest in careers in renal medicine. This is concerning given the increasing global burden of kidney disease. Previous studies in the USA and Australia have identified factors such as a poor work-life balance, lack of role models and the challenging nature of the speciality as possible reasons behind recruitment struggles. This study aimed to identify factors associated with declining interest among trainees in the UK.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted ...[more]

PMID: 31583100

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Project description:ObjectivesWorkforce retention among UK-based Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) trainees has been a particular concern for a number of years, with 30% trainees reportedly leaving specialty training. With specialty focused research being limited and tending to analyse the training programme as a whole. The aim of this study was to explain why senior O&G trainees within reach of completing training were leaving the specialty.DesignQualitative study based on Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology using semi-structured interviews. Data collection and analysis continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The key themes were used to build an explanatory model, in the form of a concept map for attrition.SettingLondon.ParticipantsNine senior O&G trainees (ST5-7) of which six were committed to the specialty, two were not going to pursue a consultancy post once training was complete and one ex-trainee.ResultsFive major themes emerged from the study, of which four; 'Just get on with it', 'Just a number', 'Tick-box exercise' and 'It has not happened to me but…' were described by all participants. However, the final theme, relating to the lack of professional identity, 'I did not see myself as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist' was only demonstrated among those who had left or were not going to pursue a consultancy post once training was complete. Potential strategies for facilitating professional identity development were focused into three areas; establishing meaningful connections, adequate support mechanisms and regional initiatives.ConclusionPrevious research on attrition in the medical profession have suggested burnout and the lack of resilience as being the key factors for leaving training. However, based on this study's findings, an alternative pathway related to the lack of professional identity has been proposed for senior O&G trainees.EthicsThis study was registered at King's College London, Kings Reference: LRU-18/19-10632 and was awarded ethical approval through the Research Ethics Committee (REMAs).

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How can we make renal medicine careers more appealing to UK trainees?

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How can we make renal medicine careers more appealing to UK trainees?

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