A W Mayer1, K A Smith1, S Carrie1. 1. ENT department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is growing concern over a future shortfall in provision of UK otolaryngology consultants. There is a declining rate of applications to otolaryngology specialty training in the UK. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review the literature to establish what factors influence medical students' and junior doctors' decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology. METHOD: Medline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included in the review. Common factors that positively influenced the decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology were exposure to the specialty, positive role models and a good work-life balance. Lack of exposure was a consistent deterrent from pursuing a career in otolaryngology. CONCLUSION: This review reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology should be a priority.
BACKGROUND: There is growing concern over a future shortfall in provision of UK otolaryngology consultants. There is a declining rate of applications to otolaryngology specialty training in the UK. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review the literature to establish what factors influence medical students' and junior doctors' decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology. METHOD: Medline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included in the review. Common factors that positively influenced the decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology were exposure to the specialty, positive role models and a good work-life balance. Lack of exposure was a consistent deterrent from pursuing a career in otolaryngology. CONCLUSION: This review reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology should be a priority.
Entities:
Keywords:
Career Choice; Education, Medical; Internship And Residency; Otolaryngology; Students