Why do people choose nephrology? Identifying positive motivators to aid recruitment and retention
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Beckwith, Hannah
Kingsbury, Martyn
Horsburgh, Jo
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Increasing concerns about recruitment and retention of junior doctors have led to renewed interest in how and when trainees choose their specialties. To our knowledge, no study has yet reported what attracts UK applicants to nephrology nor how clinicians develop vocational interests or make occupational choices. With this in mind, we sought to explore the motivation behind current nephrologist's career choices in the UK. We interviewed 11 nephrologists using a semi-structured face-to-face approach and used interpretative phenomenological analysis to conduct and analyse the interviews. We found role models were pivotal in encouraging specialization in nephrology, particularly those encountered in early postgraduate training. The diversity, diagnostic challenge and cross-specialty knowledge was highlighted as well as the ability to 'make a difference to patients' lives'. Nephrologists enjoyed the challenge of managing very sick, acutely unwell patients as well as the holistic continuity of long-term care offered to dialysis patients and their families. Academic and procedural components were attractive motivators to the specialty and the flexibility to have multiple interests was noted, with many nephrologists having 'portfolio' careers. Based on these results, we suggest strategies the specialty can use to aid policy decision making, promote recruitment and improve educational experiences within current training programmes.
Date Issued
2018-10-01
Date Acceptance
2018-07-15
Citation
Clinical Kidney Journal, 2018, 11 (5), pp.599-604
ISSN
2048-8505
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Start Page
599
End Page
604
Journal / Book Title
Clinical Kidney Journal
Volume
11
Issue
5
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30288258
PII: sfy076
Subjects
career decisions
education
nephrology
renal medicine
training
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2018-08-31