A nationwide assessment of perceptions of research-intense academic careers among predoctoral MD and MD-PhD trainees

Abstract

Introduction: While previous studies have described career outcomes of physician-scientist trainees after graduation, trainee perceptions of research-intensive career pathways remain unclear. This study sought to identify the perceived interests, factors, and challenges associated with academic and research careers among predoctoral MD trainees, MD trainees with research-intense (>50%) career intentions (MD-RI), and MD-PhD trainees. Methods: A 70-question survey was administered to 16,418 trainees at 32 academic medical centers from September 2012 to December 2014. MD vs. MD-RI (>50% research intentions) vs. MD-PhD trainee responses were compared by chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with academic and research career intentions. Results: There were 4433 respondents (27% response rate), including 2625 MD (64%), 653 MD-RI (15%), and 856 MD-PhD (21%) trainees. MD-PhDs were most interested in pursuing academia (85.8%), followed by MD-RIs (57.3%) and MDs (31.2%). Translational research was the primary career intention for MD-PhD trainees (42.9%). Clinical duties were the primary career intention for MD-RIs (51.9%) and MDs (84.2%). While 39.8% of MD-PhD respondents identified opportunities for research as the most important career selection factor, only 12.9% of MD-RI and 0.5% of MD respondents shared this perspective. Interest in basic research, translational research, clinical research, education, and the ability to identify a mentor were each independently associated with academic career intentions by multivariate regression. Conclusions: Predoctoral MD, MD-RI, and MD-PhD trainees are unique cohorts with different perceptions and interests toward academic and research careers. Understanding these differences may help to guide efforts to mentor the next generation of physician-scientists.

Factors associated with underrepresented minority physician scientist trainee career choices

“…Participants consented to join the study on the first page of the survey link and were given the option to remove their consent and withdraw participation at any time during the survey. A more complete analysis of career intentions in the entire cohort comparing differences between single and dual-degree trainees was completed and previously published [13]. Data were collected using an online survey tool (SurveyMonkey, www.surveymonkey.com).…”

“…The American Physician Scientists Association (APSA) is a national, trainee-led organization that was started with the goal of advocating for training and career development opportunities for future physician-scientists [11]. In this role, APSA had led multiple national cohort surveys assessing career interests and attitudes among physician-scientist trainees [12,13]. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate specialty interest, intended career trajectory, and obstacles in a nationally representative cohort of predoctoral physician-scientist trainees, with a particular focus on understanding the factors associated with academic and research career interests among URM trainees.…”

Do postgraduate research degrees contribute to positive outcomes for surgical doctors? An evaluation of relevant literature

“…It is interesting to note however that these two priorities were deemed considerably less important for MD-PhD and MD-Research Intensive degrees. 32 Similarly in Ireland, surgeons reported the oldest age at full qualification (36.7) years of all medical specialties, with a noticeable higher percentage (92.3%) having completed a higher research degree compared to the next highest (75.0%). 33 The impact on life out with surgery in the form of only achieving a long-term job later in life may be considerable.…”

Characteristics, barriers, and career intentions of a national cohort of LGBTQ+ MD/PhD and DO/PhD trainees

“…The study methods have been previously published [30,31]. Briefly, medical trainees at 32 nationally representative institutions completed a 70-item survey about their future careers and anticipated challenges using an online survey tool from September 2012 to December 2014 (for full survey, see supplemental materials).…”