scholarly journals “To Be, or Not to Be” a Nephrologist: Students’ Dilemma and a Strategy for the Field

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
José A. Moura-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Fellowship Training ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Early Exposure ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
The Past ◽  
Active Approach ◽  
Positive Perspective

The attractiveness of a career in nephrology has diminished over the past decades, leading to global concerns about the future of the specialty’s workforce. The reasons physicians choose (and do not choose) a career in the field must be identified in order to boost recruitment of new nephrologists. In this article, a multilevel strategy is proposed to deal with the declining interest in the specialty: (1) increasing contact and providing early exposure to nephrology; (2) promoting mentoring and role models in medical schools; (3) improving the experience of trainees and medical students; (4) incorporating procedural skills and combined fellowship training with critical care in nephrology; (5) facilitating exchanges between trainees and young and senior nephrologists; (6) adopting an active approach to identify reasons for dissatisfaction, reduce burnout, and encourage a suitable work-life balance among nephrologists; (7) increasing remuneration; and (8) incentivizing advances in the field. Finally, a positive perspective for nephrology is presented to the next generation.

scholarly journals Squaring the Circle: Registrar Training and Experience in an EWTR - Compliant Rota

2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-30
Author(s):  
RD Ramiah ◽  
J M Owen ◽  
DM Williamson ◽  
RA Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Working Time ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Surgical Experience ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
The Past ◽  
Rest Periods ◽  
Registrar Training

The European WorkingTime Regulations (EWTR) have been introduced over the past five years despite opposition from the surgical community. The stated aim of EWTR-compliant rotas for all staff is to reduce fatigue by having adequate rest periods and shorter working time, thereby improving patient safety as well as work–life balance. Concerns have been voiced that reduction in working periods for trainee surgeons will impair surgical experience and continuity of care for patients.

Virtual Learning Improves Attendance for Critical Care Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Scioscia ◽  
Jaskaran Rakkar ◽  
Jonathan H. Pelletier ◽  
Rod Ghassemzadeh ◽  
Melinda F. Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Care Education ◽  
Conference Attendance ◽  
Attending Physicians ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has pushed medical educators and learners to adapt to virtual learning (VL) in an expedited manner. The effect of VL for critical care education has not yet been evaluated. In a quantitative analysis of survey data and attendance records, we sought to determine the association of VL with conference attendance and work-life balance. Attending physicians, fellows, and advanced practice providers (APP) at a pediatric critical care department at a quaternary children's hospital participated in the study. Attendance records were obtained before and after the adaption of a VL platform. In addition, an electronic, anonymous survey to evaluate current satisfaction and the strengths and weaknesses of VL as well as its impact on work-life balance was administered. In total, 31 learners (17 attending physicians, 13 fellows, and 1 APP) completed the survey. A total of 83.9% (26/31) of participants were satisfied, and 77.4% (24/31) found VL to be similar or more engaging than non-VL. However, 6.5% (2/31) of learners reported difficulty in using the new platform, 87% (27/31) of participants supported VL as an effective learning tool, and 83.3% (25/30) reported a positive impact on work-life balance. Additionally, median monthly conference attendance increased significantly from 85 to 114 attendees per month (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that a virtual model has advantages for overall attendance and work-life balance. We anticipate VL will continue to be an integral part of medical education. Future work evaluating the impact of VL on interdepartmental and interinstitutional collaborations is needed.

scholarly journals Meeting the challenge of the work-life balance in the South African workplace

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
GF Mageni ◽  
AD Slabbert
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
South African ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
The South ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
The Past ◽  
Insight Into

The work-life balance (WLB) construct as a business imperative has been of growing concern in organisations outside South Africa for the past two decades, particularly given the pressure to create a sustainable global competitive advantage through human capital. Within the last decade this aspect has been prominent in various forums. However, no studies as yet provide insight into the applicability of WLB models to the South African workplace. The present article therefore explores the composition of a WLB system, and analyses constraints on its application under the conditions of the South African labour market.

scholarly journals A94 BARRIERS TO ADVANCEMENT ALONG THE GASTROENTEROLOGY CAREER PATHWAY: A RESIDENT PERSPECTIVE

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 67-68
Author(s):  
C Pattni ◽  
N Jawaid ◽  
N Bollegala
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Career Advancement ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Subspecialty Training ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Gender Specific

Abstract Background GI residency training programs in Canada are comprised of approximately 30% females. Survey data from procedural specialities reveal gender related differences relating to work-life balance, parental obligations, access to role models, and workplace gender discrimination. Aims To determine gender specific differences affecting the choice of GI as a sub-specialty and the experience of GI as a career during residency and fellowship. Methods A 91-question mixed methods survey was electronically disseminated in two recruitment waves to PGY4-6 gastroenterology residents and fellows across Canada between May 7th-July 1st, 2020. The survey consisted of nine groups of questions aimed at understanding personal, professional, financial, and training characteristics. Comparisons were made between self-identified male and female genders. Wilcoxon (Mann Whitney U test) was used for continuous variables while chi-squared test and fisher’s exact test was applied for categorical variables using SAS software. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied for short answer responses with two independent reviewers. Results A total of 122 residents were surveyed with a response rate of 36% (44/122).There were 17 PGY4s, 15 PGY5s, and 12 PGY6s. Females comprised 41% (18/44) of respondents. Women were statistically more likely to take on a predominant caregiver role for children (p=0.012) and state that having children would slow their career advancement (p=0.046). Men were more likely to state that it is preferable to have children during residency (p=0.036) and that their partner’s preference factored into their subspecialty training choice (p=0.009) than women. Male PGY4/5 trainees were more likely to select therapeutic endoscopy for advanced training (p=0.033). No statistical difference was found regarding aspirations for administrative/leadership positions, desired future income, practice setting, academic pursuits, and perspectives on compromising marriage for career. Qualitative analysis suggests non-gender specific challenges related to achieving work-life balance, securing a desired location of practice, and obtaining financial stability are common resident and fellow concerns. Conclusions Our study is the first of its kind within the field of gastroenterology to focus on GI residents and fellows’ experiences within Canadian training programs. Our results show that there exist gender related differences in relation to work-life balance and career advancement. Women may benefit from supports to cope with increased caregiver demands in order to allow them to meet career goals which are similar to their male peers. Funding Agencies None

A systematic review of factors affecting choice of otolaryngology as a career in medical students and junior doctors

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (10) ◽  
pp. 836-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
A W Mayer ◽  
K A Smith ◽  
S Carrie
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Common Factors ◽  
Undergraduate Curriculum ◽  
Good Work ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Uk

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing concern over a future shortfall in provision of UK otolaryngology consultants. There is a declining rate of applications to otolaryngology specialty training in the UK.ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the literature to establish what factors influence medical students’ and junior doctors’ decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology.MethodMedline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed.ResultsEleven articles were included in the review. Common factors that positively influenced the decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology were exposure to the specialty, positive role models and a good work-life balance. Lack of exposure was a consistent deterrent from pursuing a career in otolaryngology.ConclusionThis review reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology should be a priority.

scholarly journals Views of Japanese medical students on the work-life balance of female physicians

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 165-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Takahashi ◽  
Tomoni Nin ◽  
Megumi Akano ◽  
Yukiko Hasuike ◽  
Hiroko Iijima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Female Physicians ◽  
Life Balance

Generational gaps in medical education: an exploratory qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Manabu Murakami ◽  
Kotaro Matoba ◽  
Hideki Hyodoh ◽  
Makoto Takahashi ◽  
Admin
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Generation Gap ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
New Era ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
One Year

This qualitative study aimed to explore medical students’ experience of generation gap in their interactions with senior teachers (aged ?55) in Japan. Focus group interviews were conducted with 28 medical students (20 to 30 years, mean age 22 years, standard deviation 2), classified as millennials, with only one year of studies since starting specialised courses for medicine. The participants were interviewed in groups of four, with each interview lasting 60 minutes. Topics covered included generation gap experienced in daily life and during their studies, and work-life balance issues. The discussions were recorded and transcribed, and content analysis was applied. Four specific influential generation-gap categories were identified — distinctive sociocultural backgrounds, more recent educational media tools and faster information dissemination speed, new-era values, and challenges in communication — that were consistent with findings from previous studies. Continuous...

The Policy Response to Declining Fertility Rates in Japan: Relying on Logic and Hope Over Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard J SCHOPPA
Keyword(s):  
Parental Leave ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Policy Response ◽  
Policy Entrepreneurs ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Baby Boomer Generation ◽  
The Past ◽  
Industrialized Nations

Abstract Why are women (and men) in advanced industrialized nations having fewer babies, and is there anything society can do to encourage more procreation? Over the past three decades, governments have become interested in these questions as societies squeezed between an aging baby boomer generation and a shrinking base of taxpayers have searched for ways to ‘cure’ their declining fertility problem. Social science has not identified any consistent policy solution to this problem, but that has not stopped policy entrepreneurs from presenting available evidence in ways that promote work–life balance policies as the ‘cure’. This article examines how Japan has adopted policies from this menu over the past three decades, in hopes of boosting fertility rates. The absence of a strong rebound, despite these policy changes, suggests that policy entrepreneurs have oversold childcare services and parental leave as the solution. What may be needed to increase rates, Japan’s experience suggests, are far-reaching changes in norms governing gender roles, the demands employers can make on employees, and ideas about what it means to be a ‘family’.

Characteristics of graduating US allopathic medical students pursuing a career in neurology

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (17) ◽  
pp. e2051-e2063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Gutmann ◽  
Carolyn Cahill ◽  
Justin T. Jordan ◽  
Charlene E. Gamaldo ◽  
Veronica Santini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Specialty Choice ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Student Questionnaire

ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with medical students becoming neurologists because, despite the increasing burden of neurologic disorders, there is a growing neurologist shortage.MethodsDeidentified data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Matriculating Student Questionnaire (MSQ) and Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) were obtained for the graduation years 2013 to 2014 through 2016 to 2017. Logistic regression was used to assess demographic characteristics and responses to training and career-related questions in association with specialty choice (intent to enter neurology).ResultsOf the 51,816 students with complete data, 1,456 (2.8%) indicated an intent to enter a neurology residency. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of entering neurology were a student's rating of excellent for their basic neuroscience course and neurology clerkship, participation in an MD/PhD program, majoring in neuroscience or psychology as an undergraduate, a selection response of “content of the specialty was a strong influence on career choice,” and indicating interest in neurology on the MSQ. Factors associated with a decreased likelihood of entering neurology were a higher-priority response on the GQ for salary, work/life balance, and personal fit of the specialty.ConclusionData from surveys at the entry into and graduation from medical school suggest several approaches to increase the number of medical students entering neurology, including a focus on the student-reported quality of the basic neuroscience course and neurology clerkships, targeted engagement with MD/PhD students, and mentoring programs for students interested in neurology. Efforts to improve salaries for neurologists, to reduce medical school debt, and to improve work/life balance may also help to attract more students.

scholarly journals Work-life balance in medical students: self-care in a culture of self-sacrifice

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aled Picton
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Significant Shift ◽  
Medical Council ◽  
Life Balance

Abstract Background Work-life balance is a key contributor to doctors’ wellbeing and consequently is a central factor in their career decisions. General Medical Council guidance outlines the importance of work-life balance as part of compassionate self-care. Learning self-care should begin as an undergraduate, when academic and clinical workload can contribute to stress, anxiety and burnout. Methods Sequential mixed methods study of medical students in Years 3–5 at the University of Birmingham, UK. Students (n = 145) defined work-life balance in free-text answers and self-assessed their current work-life balance via questionnaires. Following this, a sub-sample of students (n = 44) participated in exploratory individual mini-interviews. Results Work-life balance emerged as a broad and multifactorial concept. Questionnaire respondents most frequently referenced enjoyment, meeting work requirements and time management in their definitions. Interview participants highlighted additional influencing factors such as peer groups, study skills, family and professional culture. Students expect a significant shift towards work after graduating and expressed concerns about the stresses of delivering patient care. 42% (n = 60) of students felt they had received support with their work-life balance during their training, mostly from family and friends. Most students had not received support or advice on their work-life balance from University or hospital staff. Conclusion Self-care and work-life balance are essential for medical students and doctors to cope with lifelong learning and deliver effective care. Medical school staff should be pro-active in supporting students to develop these skills, particularly during critical transition periods. Early interventions targeting study skills and time management may be beneficial. Further research should include students in Years 1–2 and compare different institutions.

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