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Andrews HS, Chirch LM, Luther VP, Shnekendorf R, Nolan NS, Paras ML. Analysis of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program Directors Postmatch 2023 Survey. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:630-634. [PMID: 38309709 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The 2023 United States infectious diseases (ID) fellowship match resulted in a large percentage of programs with unfilled positions. A survey was sent to ID program directors nationwide to better understand their perceptions on the match. Program directors perceived geography, a small applicant pool, and low specialty pay as contributing factors to the match results. Developing specialized fellowship tracks, increasing funding for the ID trainee pipeline, and national advocacy for higher compensation were identified as areas to focus on to increase the applicant pool. Areas of controversy, such as decreasing the number or size of fellowship programs, require further discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden S Andrews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa M Chirch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington
| | - Vera P Luther
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | | | - Nathanial S Nolan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri
| | - Molly L Paras
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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2
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Swartz TH, Aberg JA. Preserving the Future of Infectious Diseases: Why We Must Address the Decline in Compensation for Clinicians and Researchers. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:1387-1394. [PMID: 37436703 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases (ID) physicians play a pivotal role in patient care and public health, yet concerns are mounting about their under-compensation compared with other medical specialties. This trend sees ID physicians, including new graduates, receiving lower remuneration than their general and hospital medicine peers, despite their significant contributions. The persistent disparity in compensation has been identified as a key factor behind the declining interest in the ID specialty among medical students and residents, potentially threatening patient care quality, research advancement, and diversity within the ID workforce. This viewpoint underscores the urgent need for the ID community to rally behind the Infectious Diseases Society of America in advocating for fair compensation for ID physicians and researchers. While focusing on wellness and work-life balance is vital, it is critical to address compensation, a significant source of distress for physicians. Failure to confront the issue of under-compensation promptly may jeopardize the future growth and sustainability of the ID specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia H Swartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith A Aberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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3
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Grundy B, Houpt E. Complexity of Infectious Diseases Compared With Other Medical Subspecialties. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad463. [PMID: 37771851 PMCID: PMC10533204 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to highlight the complexity of the field of clinical infectious diseases compared with other medical specialties. Using available metrics, the body of knowledge within clinical infectious diseases is comparatively large and complex. This increasing complexity is underappreciated by current physician compensation schemes, needs to be carefully managed to educate future physicians, and may serve as a barrier to recruitment into the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Grundy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Mohareb AM, Brown TS. Medical Student Debt and the US Infectious Diseases Workforce. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:1322-1327. [PMID: 36318609 PMCID: PMC10396319 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Student debt in the United States is at historically high levels and poses an excessive burden on medical graduates. Studies suggest that financial limitations dissuade some medical trainees from pursuing careers in infectious diseases (ID) and other cognitive specialties, despite their interest in the subject matter. Addressing student debt may have a transformative impact on ID recruitment, diversification of the ID workforce, and contributions of ID physicians to underserved public health needs. Relief of student debt also has the potential to narrow the racial wealth gap because nonwhite students are more likely to finance their postsecondary education, including medical school, with student loans, yet they have a lower earning potential following graduation. An executive order from the Biden-Harris administration announced in August 2022 presents a first step toward student debt relief, but the policy would need to be expanded in volume and scope to effectively achieve these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir M Mohareb
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tyler S Brown
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Lanjewar S, Filipiak R, Osman F, Tischendorf JS. Factors Associated With Infectious Disease Fellowship Fill Rate: An Analysis of 2019, 2020, and 2021 Match Cycles. J Infect Dis 2023; 227:483-487. [PMID: 34788841 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, there has been a relative paucity of applicants to infectious disease fellowships. This leads to a significant number of programs being unfilled in the fellowship match. We sought to identify predictors of a program filling all positions offered in the match through retrospective review of available match and program data for the 2019-2021 match cycles. In the 2021 match, hospital and research rankings were associated with filling, as were offering specialized training tracks and having an active Twitter account. Knowledge of these associations can help programs direct resources to optimize recruitment and enrichment of infectious disease fellows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnil Lanjewar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rachel Filipiak
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Fauzia Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jessica S Tischendorf
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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6
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Marcelin JR, Brosnihan P, Swindells S, Fadul N, Bares SH. The Value of a Longitudinal HIV Track for Medical Students: Ten-Year Program Evaluation. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac184. [PMID: 35794937 PMCID: PMC9251603 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We surveyed graduates of a longitudinal medical school human immunodeficiency virus curriculum to evaluate its impact. Respondents felt comfortable caring for people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) and found value from the curriculum regardless of ultimate career path. Programs like this contribute to the development of culturally sensitive clinicians comfortable caring for PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine R Marcelin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Paul Brosnihan
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan Swindells
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nada Fadul
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sara H. Bares
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Cervantes J, Hong BY. The Impact of Experiential Learning in Host-Pathogen Research on Medical Students' Interests and Attitudes towards Microbiology and Immunology. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2021; 22:e00101-21. [PMID: 34594433 PMCID: PMC8439612 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00101-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a shortage of residents in the infectious diseases (IDs) specialty due to a lack of interest in this field. If the choice of an ID subspecialty is linked to medical school experiences, then how we teach microbiology and immunology could be a factor in the declining interest in the field. We sought to determine whether experiential learning activities on host-pathogen research might improve students' interests and attitudes toward medical microbiology and immunology. Experiential learning of medical students undertaking research project on microbiology/immunology leads to subjective attitude changes (i.e., increased science motivation, confidence, and knowledge) and the development of a new social niche. It also lets students learn new scientific techniques and use novel technological devices, which have an impact in the experiential learning of basic sciences such as microbiology and immunology. The results of this study support the idea of a beneficial effect of experiential learning, which may rekindle interest of medical students in the field of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cervantes
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Bo-Young Hong
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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8
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Abstract
The infectious diseases (ID) specialty continues to be in crisis due to a lack of interest by residents in the recruitment pool. It is possible that enhancing and innovating how microbiology is taught in medical school could increase the interest in ID. We need to improve teaching of preclinical medical microbiology and immunology by incorporating advancements in education and learning technologies to reignite the interest in the field. The shortage of ID specialists has important implications in our fight against ID threats such as the current COVID-19 global pandemic. In order to address this problem, we need to perform extensive research to identify the issues that medical learners and trainees are facing as they progress through their medical education towards the ID specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cervantes
- Department of Medical Education, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso, El Paso, TX USA
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Peiffer-Smadja N, Ardellier FD, Thill P, Beaumont AL, Catho G, Osei L, Dubée V, Bleibtreu A, Lemaignen A, Thy M. How and why do French medical students choose the specialty of infectious and tropical diseases? A national cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:397. [PMID: 33129325 PMCID: PMC7602756 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious and tropical diseases (ID) physicians are needed now more than ever to tackle existing and emerging global threats. However, in many countries, ID is not recognized as a qualifying specialty. The creation of ID residency in 2017 in France offers the opportunity to know how and why the specialty is chosen by medical students. METHODS We first analyzed the choice of specialty of all French medical students in 2017 and 2018 according to their rank at the national exam that ends medical studies. A web questionnaire was then sent in January 2019 to all ID residents in France (n = 100) to assess the factors influencing their choice of specialty and their career plan. RESULTS We analyzed the choice of 17,087 medical students. ID was the first-chosen specialty with a median national rank of 526/8539, followed by plastic surgery and ophthalmology. The questionnaire was completed by 90% of the French ID residents (n = 100). The most encouraging factors to choose ID were the multi-system approach of the specialty, the importance of diagnostic medicine and having done an internship in ID during medical school. The potential deterrents were the work-life balance, the workload and the salary. CONCLUSIONS The recent recognition of ID as a qualifying specialty in France can be considered a success insofar as the specialty is the most popular among all medical and surgical specialties. Individuals who choose ID are attracted by the intellectual stimulation of the specialty but express concerns about the working conditions and salaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Peiffer-Smadja
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France.
- Infectious Diseases Department, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, F-75006, Paris, France.
| | | | - Pauline Thill
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Lise Beaumont
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
| | - Gaud Catho
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
| | - Lindsay Osei
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Dubée
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Bleibtreu
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Lemaignen
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
| | - Michaël Thy
- RéJIF, Young French Infectious Diseases Physicians' Network - Réseau des Jeunes Infectiologues Français, Paris, France
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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10
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Markelz AE, Barsoumian A, Yun H. Formalization of a Specialty-Specific Military Unique Curriculum: A Joint United States Army and United States Air Force Infectious Disease Fellowship Program. Mil Med 2020; 184:509-514. [PMID: 30793189 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are many unique aspects to the practice of military Infectious Diseases (ID). San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Consortium Infectious Disease (ID) Fellowship is a combined Army and Air Force active duty program. Program leadership thought ID military unique curriculum (MUC) was well integrated into the program. We sought to verify this assumption to guide the decision to formalize the ID MUC. This study describes our strategy for the refinement and implementation of ID specific MUC, assesses the fellow and faculty response to these changes, and provides an example for other programs to follow. METHODS We identified important ID areas through lessons learned from personal military experience, data from the ID Army Knowledge Online e-mail consult service, input from military ID physicians, and the Army and Air Force ID consultants to the Surgeons General. The consultants provided feedback on perceived gaps, appropriateness, and strategy. Due to restrictions in available curricular time, we devised a three-pronged strategy for revision: adapt current curricular practices to include MUC content, develop new learning activities targeted at the key content area, and sustain existing, effective MUC experiences.Learners were assessed by multiple choice question correct answer rate, performance during the simulation exercise, and burn rotation evaluation. Data on correct answer rate were analyzed according to level of training by using Mann-Whitney U test. Program assessment was conducted through anonymous feedback at midyear and end of year program evaluations. RESULTS Twelve military unique ID content areas were identified. Diseases of pandemic potential and blood borne pathogen management were added after consultant input. Five experiences were adapted to include military content: core and noon conference series, simulation exercises, multiple choice quizzes, and infection control essay questions. A burn intensive care unit (ICU) rotation, Transport Isolation System exercise, and tour of trainee health facilities were the new learning activities introduced. The formal tropical medicine course, infection prevention in the deployed environment course, research opportunities and participation in trainee health outbreak investigations were sustained activities. Ten fellows participated in the military-unique spaced-education multiple-choice question series. Twenty-seven questions were attempted 814 times. 50.37% of questions were answered correctly the first time, increasing to 100% correct by the end of the activity. No difference was seen in the initial correct answer rate between the four senior fellows (median 55% [IQR 49.75, 63.25]) and the six first-year fellows (median 44% [IQR 39.25, 53]) (p = 0.114). Six fellows participated in the simulated deployment scenario. No failure of material synthesis was noted during the simulation exercise and all of the fellows satisfied the stated objectives. One fellow successfully completed the piloted burn ICU rotation. Fellows and faculty reported high satisfaction with the new curriculum. CONCLUSIONS Military GME programs are required by congress to address the unique aspects of military medicine. Senior fellow knowledge using the spaced interval multiple-choice quizzes did not differ from junior fellow rate, supporting our concern that the ID MUC needed to be enhanced. Enhancement of the MUC experience can be accomplished with minimal increases to curricular and faculty time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Barsoumian
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, JBSA, Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | - Heather Yun
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, JBSA, Fort Sam Houston, TX
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Trotman R, Kim AI, MacIntyre AT, Ritter JT, Malani AN. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America Physician Compensation Survey: Results and Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy309. [PMID: 30555851 PMCID: PMC6288767 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyzing health care reimbursement is a dynamic process. Infectious Diseases (ID) physicians have careers in diverse practice models. With current compensation models focusing on value and quality metrics, ID physicians are poised to be at the forefront of these delivery models. Monitoring and disseminating the current status of ID physician compensation are priorities of the Infectious Diseases Society (IDSA). In 2015, the IDSA conducted the largest ID physician compensation survey to date. The data were analyzed and disseminated, and the society subsequently responded with a plan to continue to develop and collect the most comprehensive and accurate data on ID physician compensation. Therefore, from May to June 2017, the IDSA conducted a follow-up compensation survey of its members. This survey resulted in the largest number of respondents of any ID compensation survey. It revealed that compensation across the different practice demographics had increased since the 2015 survey and is generally higher than salaries published in other comparable surveys. These data and the subsequent analyses focus on physicians who report patient care as their primary responsibility; they are presented by members of the IDSA’s Clinical Affairs Committee.
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Jeffres MN, Biehle LR, MacDougall C. Comprehensive Assessment of Didactic Curriculum and Career Interest in Infectious Diseases Among Graduating United States Pharmacy Students. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy284. [PMID: 30539036 PMCID: PMC6284459 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing need for clinicians with antimicrobial stewardship (AS) skills has resulted in an examination of educational methods for pharmacy and medical learners. This study explores characteristics associated with student assessment of didactic infectious diseases (ID) education quality and variables associated with a career interest in ID and/or AS. Methods Infectious diseases faculty from US pharmacy schools were sent a 15-question survey in September 2017. Faculty members e-mailed the survey link to graduating pharmacy students. Results Participants from 29 pharmacy schools, representing 21 states, resulted in 537 student responses. Quality of ID didactic education was rated as Very Good by 41%, Good by 40%, Acceptable by 14%, and Poor by 4% of participants. The mean number of faculty-provided learning resources differed by quality rating and was significantly associated with perceived educational needs. Infectious diseases was identified as a career interest by 29% of students. These students more frequently rated their ID didactic education as Very Good (52% vs 37%, P < .01) and were more likely to become interested in ID during or after it was taught in pharmacy school (39% vs 21%, P < .01). Conclusions In this cohort of graduating pharmacy students, the perceived quality of didactic ID education was associated with a career interest in ID and/or AS. Factors associated with quality of education were quantity and quality of faculty-provided resources. Increasing the quality of the didactic ID curriculum has potential to increase interest in ID/AS careers among pharmacy students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan N Jeffres
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora
| | - Lauren R Biehle
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy, Laramie
| | - Conan MacDougall
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy
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Blyth DM, Barsoumian AE, Yun HC. Timing of Infectious Disease Clinical Rotation Is Associated With Infectious Disease Fellowship Application. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy155. [PMID: 30087906 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With declining interest in infectious disease (ID) noted among internal medicine (IM) residents, national attention has been directed at methods to recruit more prospective ID applicants. The factors driving the recent decline in ID fellowship applications have thus far only been evaluated in survey studies. Since 2008 at our institution, all IM interns were required to complete a 4-week inpatient ID rotation. We evaluated this rotation to determine if any experiential factors could be linked to future ID interest. Methods Categorical IM interns rotating on the mandatory ID rotation at our institution between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2015, were included. Interns were grouped by eventual application to ID fellowship (IDA) and nonapplication (non-IDA). Consult numbers and types and characteristics of team members during the rotation were compared. Results Between July 2008 and June 2015, 143 IM interns met inclusion criteria. Ten (7%) were IDA. There was no difference in number of consults seen, intern, team member, faculty, or fellow characteristics among groups. However, 90% of IDA compared with 46% of non-IDA rotated during the first 6 months of internship (P = .01). Conclusions During a 7-year period, those interns randomly assigned to rotate on ID in the first 6 months of their intern year were more likely to become future ID applicants. This supports prior self-reported survey data that early exposure to the field may impact future career choice and suggests that incorporating ID early into the intern experience may increase recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Blyth
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alice E Barsoumian
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Heather C Yun
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Houston, Texas
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