Survey of the understanding and interest in the chief registrar scheme from doctors in an area of low uptake

The chief registrar (CR) scheme allows registrars to gain clinical leadership and quality improvement skills. Some regions have low uptake and non-physician CRs are uncommon. This study aims to establish the reasons behind this in one such region. A survey was distributed at two events in a low uptake area; a Royal College of Physicians update in medicine day and a general medicine teaching day. One-hundred and ninety-one clinicians responded; including 103 (53.9%) higher specialty trainees (ST3+) and 74 (38.7%) consultants. Seventy-two (44.5%) respondents were interested or unsure about applying for the role. Several misconceptions were observed, including a need for prior management experience or training in general internal medicine. Fifty (41.3%) respondents, who were not interested in applying, listed not knowing 'what the role entails' as influencing their decision. There was significant interest in the CR role, however, misconceptions were common. Improved information regarding the role may improve recruitment both in areas of low uptake and when attracting applicants from non-physician specialties.