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US dermatopathology fellows career survey: 2004–2005
Author(s) -
Goldenberg Gary,
Patel Manisha J.,
Sangueza Omar P.,
Camacho Fabian,
Khanna Vishal C.,
Feldman Steven R.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of cutaneous pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1600-0560
pISSN - 0303-6987
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2006.00643.x
Subject(s) - dermatopathology , salary , medicine , mentorship , workforce , family medicine , private practice , medical education , career development , medical school , psychology , dermatology , political science , law
Background: Graduates of a dermatopathology fellowship may choose an academic career or a career in private practice. Objective: To assess career plans of 2004–2005 dermatopathology fellows and to correlate an academic career choice with factors identified in a national survey of US dermatopathology fellowship programs. Methods: Surveys were mailed to 60 trainees at 45 dermatopathology fellowship programs across the United States. Pearson correlation analysis was used to interpret the data. Results: Thirty‐five surveys (58% response rate) were returned. Top five factors that correlated positively with an academic career choice were graduating from a non‐US medical school, performing research during fellowship, importance of research in a career decision, completing a dermatology residency and publication requirement in fellowship. Top five factors that correlated positively with choosing a career in private practice were loan debt, importance of salary/earning potential, importance of job availability, being married and having an employed spouse. Limitations: Study limitations are a small sample size and potential response bias. Conclusion: Supporting research during fellowship, supporting applicants who completed a dermatology residency or graduated from a foreign medical school, providing loan forgiveness/repayment and increasing earning/salary potential in academic practice may encourage more young physicians to join the academic workforce.