Exposure of early pediatric trainees to blood and marrow transplantation leads to higher recruitment to the field

Recruitment and Retention of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Physicians: A Report from the ASTCT Talent Acquisition Task Force

A shortage of transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) physicians is expected given the expansion of TCT indications and the scope of practice of TCT programs in recent years. American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) conducted a survey of early career transplant physicians and trainees to assess the factors that prompted them to pursue to career in TCT. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted via emails sent to the ASTCT membership. Fifty-nine respondents completed the survey. The vast majority of respondents decided to pursue a career in TCT during their hematology/oncology fellowship (41%), followed by during residency (25%) or medical school (18%), and a majority of them had some exposure to TCT in their clinical training already. The most common reason for choosing to specialize in TCT was interest in the clinical practice of TCT (81%) closely followed by the scientific allure of the field (75%). Most respondents were extremely committed to remaining in this field of practice. We found that those in the field report high levels of satisfaction despite factors that would otherwise predispose them to burnout. A systematic and sustained effort to promote trainee engagement that could result in improved recruitment and retention in the field of TCT is needed. Professional societies in partnership with educational institutions could conduct outreach and help attract trainees from diverse backgrounds.

How to design and deliver a successful paediatric placement for medical students

Paediatric placement is an invaluable opportunity for medical students to gain experience in the specialty. It is often their first tangible experience observing how children are looked after. An ideal placement would offer diverse and immersive clinical experiences while providing insight into a career in paediatrics. This article provides a template for a paediatric placement appealing to current medical students and future generations constructed on the strong foundations of evidence-based practices in medical education.

Addressing recruitment and retention in paediatrics: a pipeline to a brighter future

BACKGROUND

In the UK, the number of junior doctors completing foundation programme, and the number of trainees applying to paediatrics has been in decline in recent years. The NHS is at 'breaking point', exacerbated by workforce shortages, chronic underfunding, increasing service demand and poor job satisfaction within healthcare workers. Issues in recruitment and retention of paediatricians 'threaten the safety of our children's health', according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

AIM

To explore what strategies have been described in the literature to enhance recruitment and retention in paediatrics.

METHODS

A scoping review methodology was conducted, employing a qualitative approach to review the literature. The studies included were English-language studies. 16 full-text articles were reviewed and analysed.

STUDY FINDINGS

There is a paucity of data in the literature that describes evidence-based approaches to enhancing retention and recruitment in paediatrics. The most important strategies employed to help are identified and grouped into six main themes. These include professional advocacy, workforce diversity, mentorship, improving working conditions, career flexibility and enhancing educational opportunities. The authors have created a 'paediatric pipeline' paradigm of 'identify, engage, recruit, retain and champion', which allow us to present these themes in a pragmatic way for paediatricians and policymakers.

CONCLUSIONS

While some issues share similarities with other specialties in difficulty, much of the context and potential remedies within paediatrics are distinct. A strategic, multi-agency collaborative approach is required urgently to address the significant issues that face both paediatrics and the healthcare system.

Inpatient Hematology-Oncology Rotation Is Associated With a Decreased Interest in Pursuing an Oncology Career Among Internal Medicine Residents

An inpatient hematology-oncology ward rotation does not lead to increased interest and, for some residents, may lead to decreased interest in the field.