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Hertling SF, Back DA, Wildemann B, Schleußner E, Kaiser M, Graul I. Is student mentoring career-defining in surgical disciplines? A comparative survey among medical schools and medical students for mentoring programs. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1008509. [PMID: 36507512 PMCID: PMC9726918 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1008509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Facing a shortage of young surgeons, this study aimed to examine the availability of mentoring programs and if this can counteract this lack. Summary background data Medical mentoring programs have proven to be decisive to influence students' later career decisions. Since their structure may depend on the medical school and the effort of single disciplines, the offers are often very heterogeneous. Methods Anonymous online-questionnaires were developed and distributed among medical students in Germany and the dean for teaching of the medical schools from July 2019 to January 2020 in Germany. Data of the availability of mentoring programs, their structure and the impact of surgery were collected. Results Forty three medical schools participated, with 65% offering mentoring programs. 18 of medical schools had no additional funding available for this. Surgical subjects participated in these programs in only 30%. Additionally, 1,516 medical students participated in the second survey. A total of 70% had already participated in a mentoring program with a significantly higher proportion of men. Of these, 94% stated that this was helpful and had an impact on their career planning, without any gender differences. 95% would participate in structured surgical mentoring programs and 95% agreed that this could have an impact on their career planning. Conclusion Mentoring programs may be able to influence career planning, nevertheless participation by surgical specialties has been low. Becoming more active in providing mentoring programs with a special focus on women and offering more surgical content can be a way to counteract the lack of surgical trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Ferdinand Hertling
- Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany,Department of Orthopaedics, Jena University Hospital, Eisenberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Stefan Ferdinand Hertling, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-5815-7498
| | - David Alexander Back
- Dieter Scheffner Center for Medical Education and Educational Research, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britt Wildemann
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Mario Kaiser
- Module Integration Optics, Jenoptik Light and Optics Division, Jena, Germany
| | - Isabel Graul
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jena University Hospital, Eisenberg, Germany,Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Schnack H, Uthoff SAK, Ansmann L. The perceived impact of physician shortages on human resource strategies in German hospitals - a resource dependency perspective. J Health Organ Manag 2022; 36:196-211. [PMID: 36098505 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-05-2021-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Like other European countries, Germany is facing regional physician shortages, which have several consequences on patient care. This study analyzes how hospitals perceive physician shortages and which strategies they adopt to address them. As a theoretical framework, the resource dependency theory is chosen. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The authors conducted 20 semi-structured expert interviews with human resource officers, human resource directors, and executive directors from hospitals in the northwest of Germany. Hospitals of different ownership types, of varying sizes and from rural and urban locations were included in the sample. The interviews were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS The interviewees reported that human resource departments in hospitals expand their recruiting activities and no longer rely on one single recruiting instrument. In addition, they try to adapt their retaining measures to physicians' needs and offer a broad range of employment benefits (e.g. childcare) to increase attractiveness. The study also reveals that interviewees from small and rural hospitals report more difficulties with attracting new staff and therefore focus on recruiting physicians from abroad. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Since the staffing situation in German hospitals will not change in the short term, the study provides suggestions for hospital managers and health policy decision-makers in dealing with physician shortages. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This study uses the resource dependency theory to explain hospitals' strategies for dealing with healthcare staff shortages for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Schnack
- Division for Organizational Health Services Research, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Anna Katharina Uthoff
- Division for Organizational Health Services Research, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Lena Ansmann
- Division for Organizational Health Services Research, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Scheffel D, Wirkner J, Adler S, Wassilew G, Dragowsky K, Seemann R, Fröhlich S, Kasch R. [Promoting young academics in anesthesiology: factors for an attractive internship]. Anaesthesist 2022; 71:362-372. [PMID: 35507045 PMCID: PMC9068631 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-021-00936-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practical experiences in clinical traineeships can shape the later specialty choice of medical students. KEY QUESTION The following study aimed to find factors in anesthesiological clinical traineeship that encourage students to specialize in the field. MATERIAL AND METHODS As part of a nationwide online survey conducted by the working group for education of the German Association for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, DGOU), study participants (n = 479) answered questions about their minimum 4‑week traineeship in anesthesiology. The information on items was analyzed in six content categories: 1) integration into the team, 2) acquisition of skills, 3) teachers, 4) quality of teaching, 5) structure of teaching and 6) satisfaction with the clinical internship. The respondents were subdivided into 4 groups by answering the question "Could you imagine an elective in anesthesiology during the final year (PJ)" with "Yes, I have made this decision after the clinical traineeship" (JdF, n = 212, 44%), "No I have decided against an elective during the final year after the traineeship" (NdF, n = 56, 12%), "Yes I have decided for an elective in anesthesiology before the internship" (JvF Yes: n = 144, 30%) and "No, I have decided against an elective in anesthesiology before the internship" (NvF: n = 67, 14%). Answers of the participants regarding the six content categories were compared between the four groups. RESULTS The survey reached all medical faculties in Germany and included participants with an average age of 25.8 years and a balanced gender ratio. There were significant differences between satisfied and dissatisfied students in all four subgroups. Of the 479 respondents, 211 (44%) were already set regarding their decision of choosing anesthesiology as an elective during the final year before the clinical traineeship. Of the respondents 268 (56%) were influenced by the internship, 212 (44%) of them positively. In total, 81% of the trainees rated the internship as "satisfying". Students who were satisfied with the overall internship and who spoke in favor of the PJ elective in anesthesiology differed significantly from the other groups in the categories of team integration, skills acquisition, structure and quality of teaching. The teaching of practical skills and specialist knowledge as well as the integration into diagnostics and treatment planning promoted the recruitment of young people. DISCUSSION The positively evaluated anesthesiology internship promotes later specialty choice, with quality and structure of the teaching affecting student satisfaction. Trainees who were attracted by anesthesiology gave better overall ratings and acquired more skills during the course of the internship. In order to win aspiring doctors for anesthesiology, the medical team has to integrate trainees well and support the acquisition of practical skills and specialist knowledge. In addition, didactics and practical relevance should be given high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Scheffel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - J Wirkner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
- Institut für Psychologie, Lehrstuhl für Physiologische und Klinische Psychologie/Psychotherapie, Universität Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - S Adler
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Anästhesie, Intensiv‑, Notfall- und Schmerzmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - G Wassilew
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - K Dragowsky
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - R Seemann
- Centrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - S Fröhlich
- Orthopädische Klinik und Poliklinik, Poliklinik der Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057, Rostock, Deutschland.
| | - R Kasch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland.
- Orthopädische Klinik und Poliklinik, Poliklinik der Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Doberaner Str. 142, 18057, Rostock, Deutschland.
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Märkl B, Füzesi L, Huss R, Bauer S, Schaller T. Number of pathologists in Germany: comparison with European countries, USA, and Canada. Virchows Arch 2020; 478:335-341. [PMID: 32719890 PMCID: PMC7969551 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of pathology is in contrast to a shortage of qualified staff. The aims of the present study are to compile basic information on the numbers of German physicians in pathology and to compare it with the situation in Europe and overseas. In addition, model calculations will shed light on the effects of part-time working models. Various publicly accessible databases (EuroStat) as well as publications of medical associations and professional associations of European countries and the USA/Canada were examined. In addition, a survey was carried out among the institutes of German universities. Figures from 24 European countries and the USA/Canada were evaluated. With one pathologist per 47,989 inhabitants, the density of pathologists in Germany in relation to the population is the second-lowest in Europe (average: 32,018). Moreover, the proportion of pathologists among the physicians working in Germany is the lowest in Europe and at the same time lower than in the USA and Canada (Germany: 1:200, USA: 1:70, Canada: 1:49). The ratio of pathologists to medical specialists is shifted in the same direction. The survey among university pathologists revealed a relevant increase in the workload over the last 10 years. The majority of institutes can manage this workload only with considerable difficulties. With a ratio between specialists and residents of 1:1, the university institutes show a high commitment in the area of training. The results of this study indicate a shortage of pathologists in Germany that could lead to a bottleneck in large parts of the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Märkl
- General and Special Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Laszló Füzesi
- General and Special Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Huss
- General and Special Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Bauer
- General and Special Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Tina Schaller
- General and Special Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Grasreiner D, Dahmen U, Settmacher U. Specialty preferences and influencing factors: a repeated cross-sectional survey of first- to sixth-year medical students in Jena, Germany. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:103. [PMID: 29743057 PMCID: PMC5944057 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the expected increase in those entering retirement, the number of practising physicians is predicted to decrease. Conversely, the number of physicians needed is set to increase, due to higher demands resulting from the increasing average age of the German population. This may cause a deficit in the availability and accessibility of medical care for the population in Germany, as well as in other countries. As such, there needs to be a specific focus on the next generation of physicians. Will they fill the gap in those medical specialties where it is most needed? This study aims to investigate (a) preferences for medical specialties over time and (b) the reasoning behind these preferences among students. METHODS Over three subsequent years, all medical students from the Jena Faculty of Medicine were repeatedly invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire consisted of three parts to explore the students' (1) preferred postgraduate specialty, (2) the reasons for their decision and (3) socio-demographic data. Data analysis was performed using Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The number of students completing the questionnaire in a given year ranged from 180 to 320, resulting in a total number of 720 completed questionnaires. Between 40 and 50% of the students preferred internal medicine as postgraduate specialty. About 25% of the students were interested in a surgical specialty. Diagnostics and psychiatric medical fields were preferred by about 10% of all students for each field in each year of the survey. A large percentage (about 18%) of the students remained undecided. The factors influencing the students' specialty preferences were most frequently reconciliation of work and family life, career goals as well as predicted workload. The factors depended on the preferred medical specialty. CONCLUSION The influencing factors should be taken into account for recruiting prospective residents. Doing so could increase the chance to attract the number of physicians needed to ensure adequate medical care in the field of interest, according to the growing health needs of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Grasreiner
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Experimentelle Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Uta Dahmen
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Experimentelle Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
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