US dermatopathology fellows career survey: 2004-2005.

BACKGROUND

Graduates of a dermatopathology fellowship may choose an academic career or a career in private practice.

OBJECTIVE

To assess career plans of 2004-2005 dermatopathology fellows and to correlate an academic career choice with factors identified in a national survey of US dermatopathology fellowship programs.

METHODS

Surveys were mailed to 60 trainees at 45 dermatopathology fellowship programs across the United States. Pearson correlation analysis was used to interpret the data.

RESULTS

Thirty-five surveys (58% response rate) were returned. Top five factors that correlated positively with an academic career choice were graduating from a non-US medical school, performing research during fellowship, importance of research in a career decision, completing a dermatology residency and publication requirement in fellowship. Top five factors that correlated positively with choosing a career in private practice were loan debt, importance of salary/earning potential, importance of job availability, being married and having an employed spouse.

LIMITATIONS

Study limitations are a small sample size and potential response bias.

CONCLUSION

Supporting research during fellowship, supporting applicants who completed a dermatology residency or graduated from a foreign medical school, providing loan forgiveness/repayment and increasing earning/salary potential in academic practice may encourage more young physicians to join the academic workforce.