Recruitment and retention of trainee physicians: a retrospective analysis of the motivations and influences on career choice of trainee physicians.

BACKGROUND

Across the UK, there are vacant physician posts at every level. This increases workload and stress for those who remain, in turn making substantive jobs less attractive.

AIM

To understand the influences on career choice and retention in training of current trainee physicians.

METHODS

An online survey, with a combination of closed and free text questions, was developed to assess factors that affected career choices. This was sent to all core and higher specialty trainees in Scotland and Associate or Collegiate members of the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh not training in Scotland.

RESULTS

A total of 846 trainees responded, 231 of whom were trainee physicians; 161 (70%) of trainee physicians stated that experience prior to their current role had a very positive impact on career choice, particularly positive role modelling and informal career advice. Core trainees were less likely to report enjoying their job than higher specialty trainees with 31 (50%) found to enjoy their job 'always' or 'most of the time' in comparison to 114 (79%). About 181 (78%) of trainees selected through national recruitment of which 77 (42%) were moderately satisfied and 32 (8%) completely satisfied with the process. Uncertainty of job location and inability to demonstrate professional ability were the main complaints.

CONCLUSIONS

Career choices are influenced by role models and informal careers advice. Efforts must be made to improve the experience trainees, particularly those in core training. Current physicians, both trainees and consultants, have an important role in recruiting the next generation of trainee physicians-this must be supported.