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Beaulieu MD, Grad R, Légaré F, Touchette M. Il est temps de créer un programme clinicien-érudit profil recherche. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2023; 69:456-458. [PMID: 37451994 PMCID: PMC10348795 DOI: 10.46747/cfp.456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Dominique Beaulieu
- Professeure émérite au département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence à l'Université de Montréal (Québec).
| | - Roland Grad
- Professeur agrégé au département de médecine de famille à l'Université McGill (Montréal)
| | - France Légaré
- Professeure titulaire au département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence à l'Université Laval (Québec)
| | - Matthieu Touchette
- Professeur titulaire au département de médecine et vice-doyen aux études médicales postdoctorales à l'Université de Sherbrooke (Québec)
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2
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Beaulieu MD, Grad R, Légaré F, Touchette M. It is time to create a clinician scholar program-research profile. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2023; 69:453-455. [PMID: 37451987 PMCID: PMC10348785 DOI: 10.46747/cfp.6907453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Dominique Beaulieu
- Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine at the University of Montréal in Quebec.
| | - Roland Grad
- Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McGill University in Montréal
| | - France Légaré
- Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine at Laval University in Quebec
| | - Matthieu Touchette
- Professor in the Department of Medicine and Vice Dean of Postgraduate Medical Education at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec
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Moss SJ, Wollny K, Amarbayan M, Lorenzetti DL, Kassam A. Interventions to improve the well-being of medical learners in Canada: a scoping review. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E765-E776. [PMID: 34285056 PMCID: PMC8313096 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20200236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical education affects learner well-being. We explored the breadth and depth of interventions to improve the well-being of medical learners in Canada. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO from inception to July 11, 2020, using the Arksey-O'Malley, 5-stage, scoping review method. We included interventions to improve well-being across 5 wellness domains (i.e., social, mental, physical, intellectual, occupational) for medical learners in Canada, grouped as undergraduate or graduate nonmedical (i.e., health sciences) students, undergraduate medical students or postgraduate medical students (i.e., residents). We categorized interventions as targeting the individual (learner), program (i.e., in which learners are enrolled) or system (i.e., higher education or health care) levels. RESULTS Of 1753 studies identified, we included 65 interventions that aimed to improve well-being in 10 202 medical learners, published from 1972 through 2020; 52 (80%) were uncontrolled trials. The median year for intervention implementation was 2010 (range 1971-2018) and the median length was 3 months (range 1 h-48 mo). Most (n = 34, 52%) interventions were implemented with undergraduate medical students. Two interventions included only undergraduate, nonmedical students; none included graduate nonmedical students. Most studies (n = 51, 78%) targeted intellectual well-being, followed by occupational (n = 32, 49%) and social (n = 17, 26%) well-being. Among 19 interventions implemented for individuals, 14 (74%) were for medical students; of the 27 program-level interventions, 17 (63%) were for resident physicians. Most (n = 58, 89%) interventions reported positive well-being outcomes. INTERPRETATION Many Canadian medical schools address intellectual, occupational and social well-being by targeting interventions at medical learners. Important emphasis on the mental and physical well-being of medical learners in Canada warrants further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephana J Moss
- Departments of Community Health Sciences (Moss, Wollny, Lorenzetti, Kassam), and Critical Care Medicine (Moss, Amarbayan), Cumming School of Medicine, and Faculty of Nursing (Wollny, Amarbayan), and School of Public Policy (Amarbayan), and Health Sciences Library (Lorenzetti), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.
| | - Krista Wollny
- Departments of Community Health Sciences (Moss, Wollny, Lorenzetti, Kassam), and Critical Care Medicine (Moss, Amarbayan), Cumming School of Medicine, and Faculty of Nursing (Wollny, Amarbayan), and School of Public Policy (Amarbayan), and Health Sciences Library (Lorenzetti), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Mungunzul Amarbayan
- Departments of Community Health Sciences (Moss, Wollny, Lorenzetti, Kassam), and Critical Care Medicine (Moss, Amarbayan), Cumming School of Medicine, and Faculty of Nursing (Wollny, Amarbayan), and School of Public Policy (Amarbayan), and Health Sciences Library (Lorenzetti), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Diane L Lorenzetti
- Departments of Community Health Sciences (Moss, Wollny, Lorenzetti, Kassam), and Critical Care Medicine (Moss, Amarbayan), Cumming School of Medicine, and Faculty of Nursing (Wollny, Amarbayan), and School of Public Policy (Amarbayan), and Health Sciences Library (Lorenzetti), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Aliya Kassam
- Departments of Community Health Sciences (Moss, Wollny, Lorenzetti, Kassam), and Critical Care Medicine (Moss, Amarbayan), Cumming School of Medicine, and Faculty of Nursing (Wollny, Amarbayan), and School of Public Policy (Amarbayan), and Health Sciences Library (Lorenzetti), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
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Dos Santos Rocha A, Combescure C, Negro F. The MD-PhD program in Geneva: a 10-year analysis of graduate demographics and outcomes. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:425. [PMID: 33183299 PMCID: PMC7663876 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MD-PhD programs confer degrees that empower medical doctors with in-depth scientific skills to contribute to biomedical research and academic medicine, alongside clinical practice. Whilst the career options and research opportunities related to graduates following these programs in the US are well documented, little is known about their European counterparts. In this article, we studied graduates who had completed the MD-PhD program at the University of Geneva between 2010 and 2019. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was performed in April 2019, targeting all medical doctors who had obtained the MD-PhD degree from the University of Geneva since 2010. Demographics, opinions, and career outcomes of the MD-PhD graduates were assessed through an online anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS Twenty-one questionnaires were collected from 31 MD-PhD graduates (response rate 65.5%). Most respondents (57.1%) had performed an MD-PhD training in basic sciences; however, only 14.3% had pursued this type of research thereafter. Most of the respondents held a position at a University hospital (90.5%), although a significant number of them were no longer involved in research in their current position (28.6%). 85.7% mentioned obstacles and challenges in combining clinical duties with research. Despite this, the majority (85.7%) declared that the MD-PhD degree had given them advantages in their career path, granting access to clinical and academic positions, as well as funding. CONCLUSIONS Graduates from the MD-PhD program in Geneva were for the most part, satisfied with their training. However, because of the challenges and obstacles in combining clinical duties with research, the implementation of research activities in their current position proved difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Dos Santos Rocha
- Unit for Anaesthesiological Investigations, Department of Acute Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland.
- European MD-PhD Association, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Cristophe Combescure
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Negro
- MD-PhD Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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5
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Al-Busaidi IS, Al-Mandhari RA. Sustainable Clinical Academic Training Pathways: A framework for implementation in Oman. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2020; 20:e251-e259. [PMID: 33110639 PMCID: PMC7574797 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2020.20.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical academics—medical doctors with additional training in basic science or clinical research— play a pivotal role in translating biomedical research into practical bedside applications. However, international studies suggest that the proportion of clinical academics relative to the medical workforce is dwindling worldwide. Although efforts to reverse this trend are ongoing in many countries, there is little perceptible dialogue concerning these issues in Oman. This article explores the current status of clinical academic training pathways worldwide, concluding with a framework for the implementation of a dual-degree medical-research training programme in Oman in order to stimulate and develop a sustainable national clinical academic workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi
- Department of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Panettieri RA, Kolls JK, Lazarus S, Corder S, Harshman A, Langmack E, Petrache I. Impact of a Respiratory Disease Young Investigators' Forum on the Career Development of Physician-Scientists. ATS Sch 2020; 1:243-259. [PMID: 33870292 PMCID: PMC8043310 DOI: 10.34197/ats-scholar.2019-0018oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To reverse the dramatic decline in the U.S. physician-scientist workforce, interventions are necessary to retain physicians in research careers. Objective: To evaluate the impact of an annual 3-day symposium, the Respiratory Disease Young Investigators' Forum (RDYIF), designed to guide fellows and junior faculty into successful physician-scientist careers. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, a questionnaire was e-mailed to 308 physicians who participated in the RDYIF between 2005 and 2018. The questionnaire was administered by National Jewish Health study personnel in the spring of 2019. Responses were primarily analyzed using descriptive and qualitative approaches. Results: The response rate was 39.3% (n = 121), with 107 of responders (88.4%) completing the full survey. The majority of survey completers currently worked as physician-scientists (76.6%; n = 82), held faculty positions (88.8%; n = 95) in an academic center (90.6%; n = 97), and were currently involved in research (93.4%; n = 100). The majority had been an author on ≥10 peer-reviewed publications (61.3%, n = 65) and had been awarded research grants (71.7%; n = 76). Thirty completers (28.3%) had served as a principal investigator on one or more clinical trials. Completers indicated that participation in the RDYIF had a "strong impact" or "very strong impact" on their career development as physician-scientists. Conclusion: Participation in the RDYIF strengthened participants' interest in physician-scientist careers and appeared to track with successful career development. Young Investigator Forums such as the RDYIF may be an effective intervention to support the declining supply of physician-scientists in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynold A. Panettieri
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Jay K. Kolls
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Stephen Lazarus
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Stephanie Corder
- Office of Professional Education, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
| | - Andrea Harshman
- Office of Professional Education, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
| | | | - Irina Petrache
- Office of Professional Education, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
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Silva CA, Trindade VC, da Cruz AM, Blanco BP, Santos JFV, Ferraro AA, Odone-Filho V, Tannuri U, Carvalho WB, Carneiro-Sampaio M, Vieira SE, Grisi SJFE. Profile of health professionals who completed a master's, doctoral, or post-doctoral degree in one Brazilian pediatric program. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2020; 75:e1392. [PMID: 32321112 PMCID: PMC7153359 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2020/e1392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the personal and professional characteristics, and the physical, psychiatric/psychological, and professional issues that exist among master's-, doctoral-, and post-doctoral-level health professionals. METHODS A cross-sectional, online, self-reported survey of 452 postgraduates who completed master's, doctoral, or post-doctoral degrees in one graduate program in pediatrics in São Paulo, Brazil, was conducted. RESULTS The response rate was 47% (211/453). The majority of participants were women (78%) and physicians (74%), and the median age was 47 years (28-71). Master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral degrees were reported by 73%, 53%, and 3%, respectively. High workload (>40 hours/week) occurred in 59%, and 45% earned ≥15 minimum wages/month. At least one participation in scientific meeting in the past year was reported by 91%, and 79% had published their research. Thirty-nine percent served as a member of a faculty of an institution of higher learning. The data were analyzed by two age groups: participants aged ≤48 years (group 1) and participants aged >48 years (group 2). The median rating of overall satisfaction with the profession in the past year [8 (0-10) vs. 9 (1-10), p=0.0113]; workload >40 hours/week (53% vs. 68%, p=0.034); and ≥15 minimum wages/month (37% vs. 56%, p=0.0083) were significantly lower in group 1. Further analysis by gender revealed that the median rating of overall satisfaction with the profession in the past year [8 (0-10) vs. 9 (3-10), p=0.0015], workload >40 hours/week (53% vs. 83%, p=0.0002), and ≥15 minimum wages/month (37% vs. 74%, p=0.0001) were significantly lower in women compared with men. The median rating of overall satisfaction with the mentorship supervision provided was significantly higher among the women 10 (5-10) vs. 10 (2-10), p=0.0324]. CONCLUSIONS The majority of master's-, doctoral-, and post-doctoral-level health professionals were women and physicians, and had published their thesis. Younger postgraduates and women reported low salaries, less likelihood of working >40 hours/week, and less overall satisfaction with their profession. Further longitudinal and qualitative studies are warranted to assess career trajectories after graduation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clovis Artur Silva
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Vitor Cavalcanti Trindade
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Amanda Monteiro da Cruz
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Bruna Paccola Blanco
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - João Fernando Vecchi Santos
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Alexandre Archanjo Ferraro
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Vicente Odone-Filho
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Uenis Tannuri
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Werther Brunow Carvalho
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Magda Carneiro-Sampaio
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Sandra Elisabete Vieira
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Sandra Josefina Ferraz Ellero Grisi
- Instituto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ICr), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Abstract
Perhaps the most dramatic finding in the 2014 National Institutes of Health Physician-Scientist Workforce Working Group Report is the aging of the physician-scientist workforce. There are currently 1.6-fold more physician-scientists over the age of 61 than under the age of 50, indicating that our pipeline of physician-scientists is insufficient to maintain current numbers. Several factors likely contribute to this leaky pipeline, including the long training periods, poor compensation during training, diminished funding odds for young investigators, and lack of role models, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities. This perspective will present several ideas for how training programs can play a role in assuring a robust pipeline of future physician scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Blish
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco, California.,Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, San Francisco, California.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California
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Skinnider MA, Twa DDW, Squair JW, Rosenblum ND, Lukac CD. Predictors of sustained research involvement among MD/PhD programme graduates. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 52:536-545. [PMID: 29532953 DOI: 10.1111/medu.13513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT MD/PhD programmes provide structured paths for physician-scientist training. However, considerable proportions of graduates of these programmes do not pursue careers in research consistent with their training. OBJECTIVES We sought to identify factors associated with sustained involvement in research after completion of all postgraduate training. METHODS Anonymised data from a national survey of Canadian MD/PhD programme graduates who had completed all physician-scientist training (n = 70) were analysed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the associations between characteristics of graduates and five indicators of sustained research involvement following postgraduate training: (i) protected research time in the current appointment; (ii) percentage of time dedicated to research; (iii) planned future involvement in research; (iv) role as a principal investigator on a recent funded project, and (v) receipt of funding from a federal granting agency since graduation. RESULTS The majority of graduates were significantly involved in research on the basis of at least one outcome. Completion of a research fellowship, number of first-authored or co-authored manuscripts published during MD/PhD training, and duration of MD/PhD training were positively associated with continued research involvement. Completion of a Masters degree prior to MD/PhD training, female gender, debt greater than CAD$50 000 at completion of training, and pursuit of a clinical specialty other than internal medicine, paediatrics, neurology, pathology and the surgical specialties were negatively associated with sustained research involvement. CONCLUSIONS Most MD/PhD programme graduates remain significantly involved in research, but this involvement often does not correspond to traditional physician-scientist roles, in which a majority of time is dedicated to research. To minimise loss of investment in physician-scientist training, MD/PhD programmes should prioritise research productivity during training and the pursuit of additional research training during residency, and policymakers should establish stable sources of funding to reduce debt among graduates. Our data suggest further study is warranted to identify interventions to reduce attrition among female MD/PhD programme graduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Skinnider
- MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David D W Twa
- MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer Agency (BCCA), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jordan W Squair
- MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Norman D Rosenblum
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine D Lukac
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Strong MJ, Busing N, Goosney DL, Harris KA, Horsley T, Kuzyk A, Lingard L, Norman WV, Rosenblum ND, Saryeddine T, Wang X. The Rising Challenge of Training Physician-Scientists: Recommendations From a Canadian National Consensus Conference. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2018; 93:172-178. [PMID: 28817429 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000001857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Physician-scientists are individuals who actively participate in patient care, have undergone additional research training, and devote the majority of their time to research. Physician-scientists are traditionally the primary catalysts in bridging the translational gap-that is, the failure to link fundamental new knowledge in the pathobiology of disease with advances in health care and health policy in a timely manner. However, there has been a shift away from training physician-scientists, and financial support for the physician-scientist is diminishing globally, causing the translational gap to grow. Given its socialized health care system and cultural and geographic diversity, Canada can serve as a unique case study in understanding how to address this phenomenon as a national priority. To this end, a Canadian national consensus conference was convened to develop recommendations for training programs and early-career supports for physician-scientists. Five recommendations were generated: (1) Establish an independent, national council whose mandate is to provide pan-Canadian oversight of physician-scientist training programs; (2) develop capacity for funding and mentorship support for physician-scientists; (3) develop coherent networks across a broad range of clinician-scientists, including physician-scientists, to reflect the unique cultural and geographic diversity of Canada and to reflect the interdisciplinarity of health research; (4) ensure that medical school curricula integrate, as a core curriculum feature, an understanding of the scientific basis of health care, including research methodologies; and (5) ensure that the funding of the physician-scientist trainee is viewed as portable and distinct from the operational funding provided to the training program itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Strong
- M.J. Strong is professor of clinical neurological sciences and dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. N. Busing is project lead, Future of Medical Education in Canada Postgraduate Project, and family physician, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. D.L. Goosney is executive director, Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. K.A. Harris is executive director, Office of Specialty Education, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. T. Horsley is associate director, Research Unit, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. A. Kuzyk was the 2015-2016 president, Clinical Investigator Trainee Association of Canada (CITAC), and is an MD/PhD candidate, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. L. Lingard is professor and director, Center for Education Research & Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. W.V. Norman is associate professor and director, Clinician Scholar Program, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. N.D. Rosenblum is professor and Canada Research Chair in Developmental Nephrology, Department of Paediatrics, and associate dean, Physician Scientist Training, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. T. Saryeddine is executive director of research and innovation, HealthCareCAN, and adjunct professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. X. Wang is an MD/PhD candidate, University of Toronto, and was the 2014-2015 president, CITAC, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Twa DDW, Skinnider MA, Squair JW, Lukac CD. Cross-sectional-derived determinants of satisfaction with physician-scientist training among Canadian MD/PhD graduates. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185218. [PMID: 28957354 PMCID: PMC5619730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although MD/PhD programs require considerable commitment on behalf of students and learning institutions, they serve as an integral means of training future physician-scientists; individuals who engage in translational medicine. As attrition from these programs has longstanding effects on the community of translational medicine and comes at substantial cost to MD/PhD programs, we aimed to identify determinants that were associated with satisfaction among MD/PhD graduates, a feature that might inform on limiting program attrition. Anonymized data from a national survey of 139 Canadian MD/PhD alumni was analyzed. Factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the reliability of three questions that measured satisfaction and logistic regression was used to assess the association of outcomes with 17 independent determinants. Eighty-one percent of graduates were satisfied with MD/PhD training. Factor analysis confirmed the reliability of the questions measuring satisfaction. Determinants of self-reported satisfaction with physician-scientist training included co-authorship of more than six manuscripts during MD/PhD training. Additionally, protected research time at the place of current appointment was strongly associated with agreement that MD/PhD training had helped career progression. Demographic variables were not associated with any satisfaction indicator. Taken together, the majority of Canadian MD/PhD graduates are satisfied with their physician-scientist training. Project collaboration leading to co-authorships and protected research time were strongly associated with training satisfaction among graduates. If the value of collaboration can be realized among current and future physician-scientist trainees who are dissatisfied with their training, this might ultimately reduce program attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D. W. Twa
- MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer Agency (BCCA), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail: (DDWT); (CDL)
| | - Michael A. Skinnider
- MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jordan W. Squair
- MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christine D. Lukac
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail: (DDWT); (CDL)
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Bau JT, Frolkis AD, Nathoo N, Yipp BG, Hollenberg MD, Beck PL. Career and research outcomes of the physician-scientist training program at the University of Calgary: a retrospective cohort study. CMAJ Open 2017; 5:E395-E401. [PMID: 28506972 PMCID: PMC5498177 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20160103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physician-scientists are integral to medical research, with medical programs throughout Canada invested in training hybrid physician-scientists. Few data exist as to whether these programs are generating the diversity, gender equity and numbers of trainees essential for the future of medical research and teaching. We aimed to identify factors that contribute to research productivity, diversity and retention of individuals as physician-scientists. METHODS We completed a retrospective cohort study, for the period 1973 to 2015, of the University of Calgary Leaders in Medicine Program in Calgary, Alberta. Participants were coregistered in graduate (master's or PhD) and medical degree programs. Primary outcomes included number of publications and the eventual career paths of graduates, with individuals characterized as physicians or physician-scientists on the basis of these metrics. RESULTS Of the 307 individuals who were coregistered in or had completed a joint graduate and medical degree, 125 (40.7%) were PhD students/graduates, and 182 (59.3%) were master's trainees/graduates. While in the joint program, male PhD students consistently published more frequently than female PhD students. There was no significant difference in publication records between male and female master's students. Of the 172 individuals who were 5 years or more beyond graduation, 47 (27.3%) were classified as physician-scientists; these individuals consisted of 28 (40.6%) of the 69 PhD graduates and 19 (18.4%) of the 103 master's graduates. INTERPRETATION Overall, our study shows that graduates receiving both clinical and research training, through master's or PhD programs, continue to be involved in research in their subsequent careers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Bau
- Affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Alexandra D Frolkis
- Affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Nabeela Nathoo
- Affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Bryan G Yipp
- Affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
| | - Paul L Beck
- Affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta
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