A Pfeil1, C G O Baerwald2, M Sieburg3, K Boche4, T A Kupka5, T Linde6, F Heldmann7, L Unger8, P Oelzner9, M Aringer10, G Keyßer11. 1. Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland. alexander.pfeil@med.uni-jena.de. 2. Department für Innere Medizin, Neurologie und Dermatologie, Sektion Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland. 3. Rheumatologische Facharztpraxis, Domplatz 11, 39104, Magdeburg, Deutschland. 4. Praxis für Internistische Rheumatologie, Dres. Boche, Hamann, Teich, Käthe-Kollwitz-Straße 9, 04109, Leipzig, Deutschland. 5. Rheumazentrum Kupka, Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Str. 2, 04600, Altenburg, Deutschland. 6. Rheumatologische Gemeinschaftspraxis Dr. med. Linde, Dr. med. Wagner, Dr. med. Wilke, Ludwig-Wucherer-Str. 10, 06108, Halle, Deutschland. 7. Klinik für Rheumatologie, Zeisigwaldkliniken Bethanien Chemnitz, Zeisigwaldstr. 101, 09130, Chemnitz, Deutschland. 8. I. Medizinische Klinik, Städtisches Klinikum Dresden, Friedrichstr. 41, 01067, Dresden, Deutschland. 9. Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland. 10. Universitätsklinikum und Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Rheumatologie, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland. 11. Department für Innere Medizin, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The work environment for rheumatologists has significantly changed over the last years. The healthcare of patients with rheumatic diseases is at risk due to the age structure of specialized rheumatologists in middle Germany and the limited availability of training positions for rheumatologists. In this context, it is important to have detailed information on the resident physicians in rheumatology concerning their own visions regarding their future professional career. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to resident physicians in 25 rheumatology training hospitals in the middle of Germany (Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia). The questionnaire was completed and returned by 27 participants (17 women and 10 men). RESULTS: Most of the participants (60%) aimed to qualify as a specialist in internal medicine followed by a specialization in rheumatology (altogether training for a minimum of 8 years). After finishing training 44% would prefer to work in an outpatient setting while 30% planned to work in a combined outpatient and clinical setting. Of the participants 48% would prefer to work as part-time rheumatologists and 74% (women 94% and men 40%) were interested in employment in an outpatient medical healthcare center. The compatibility of family and work as well as the work-life balance was considered to be highly relevant for the future professional life. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the participants intended to work exclusively in an outpatient setting after completing the training in rheumatology. In addition, the participants preferred a part-time employment with compatibility of professional and private life. Consequently, alternative models of employment should be created in rheumatology to be attractive for future physicians. On the other hand, the study revealed that the independent rheumatological practice has a lower priority for the young rheumatologists taking part in this survey.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The work environment for rheumatologists has significantly changed over the last years. The healthcare of patients with rheumatic diseases is at risk due to the age structure of specialized rheumatologists in middle Germany and the limited availability of training positions for rheumatologists. In this context, it is important to have detailed information on the resident physicians in rheumatology concerning their own visions regarding their future professional career. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to resident physicians in 25 rheumatology training hospitals in the middle of Germany (Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia). The questionnaire was completed and returned by 27 participants (17 women and 10 men). RESULTS: Most of the participants (60%) aimed to qualify as a specialist in internal medicine followed by a specialization in rheumatology (altogether training for a minimum of 8 years). After finishing training 44% would prefer to work in an outpatient setting while 30% planned to work in a combined outpatient and clinical setting. Of the participants 48% would prefer to work as part-time rheumatologists and 74% (women 94% and men 40%) were interested in employment in an outpatient medical healthcare center. The compatibility of family and work as well as the work-life balance was considered to be highly relevant for the future professional life. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the participants intended to work exclusively in an outpatient setting after completing the training in rheumatology. In addition, the participants preferred a part-time employment with compatibility of professional and private life. Consequently, alternative models of employment should be created in rheumatology to be attractive for future physicians. On the other hand, the study revealed that the independent rheumatological practice has a lower priority for the young rheumatologists taking part in this survey.
Entities:
Keywords:
Clinic; Field of activity; Junior rheumatologists; Perspectives; Private practice
Authors: Klaus Koch; Antje Miksch; Christoph Schürmann; Stefanie Joos; Peter T Sawicki Journal: Dtsch Arztebl Int Date: 2011-04-15 Impact factor: 5.594