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Help, I'm a specialist!—Perspectives of recently qualified geriatricians on the experiences and challenges of working as a consultant geriatrician
Author(s) -
Simpkins Daniel Mark,
Hohenberg Mark Ian,
Naganathan Vasikaran,
White Kate
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12670
Subject(s) - mentorship , medical education , exploratory research , nursing , qualitative research , medicine , career pathways , psychology , sociology , social science , anthropology
Abstract Objective To gain insights into the experience and challenges faced by Australasian geriatricians who have recently made the transition from advanced trainee to consultant. Methods An interpretative exploratory qualitative study. Geriatricians with five or less years of experience as consultants were recruited by email. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews, with themes identified through open axial coding. Results Respondents (n = 20) experienced a transition period in which they adjusted to the roles of final decision‐maker and manager. Respondents felt relatively confident with their clinical skills, but under‐prepared for non‐clinical roles associated with becoming a consultant. Most respondents described challenges with career planning. Support networks were considered critical. Conclusions This is the first study in Australasia exploring the transition from trainee to consultant geriatrician. Training programs should endeavour to create “consultant‐like roles” during advanced training and address non‐clinical competencies. Participants perceived that there should be more emphasis on career planning and mentorship.