A systematic review of factors affecting choice of otolaryngology as a career in medical students and junior doctors

Abstract

BackgroundThere is growing concern over a future shortfall in provision of UK otolaryngology consultants. There is a declining rate of applications to otolaryngology specialty training in the UK.ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the literature to establish what factors influence medical students’ and junior doctors’ decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology.MethodMedline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed.ResultsEleven articles were included in the review. Common factors that positively influenced the decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology were exposure to the specialty, positive role models and a good work-life balance. Lack of exposure was a consistent deterrent from pursuing a career in otolaryngology.ConclusionThis review reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology should be a priority.

Increased use of cadaver specimens as a method for improving medical student satisfaction with clinical ear anatomy teaching at St George's, University of London: a pilot study

“…[4][5][6] A lack of consistency across UK medical schools with regard to their undergraduate ENT curriculum further compounds these shortcomings, 7 which is concerning as this stage of training is crucial in encouraging students to pursue a career in ENT. 8 Furthermore, it was found that 30 per cent of general practitioners in South West England had received no formal hospital experience or had any form of post-graduate teaching in ENT. 9 In conjunction with this, anatomy should form an integral part of any surgical education, yet only 53.8 per cent of newly qualified doctors felt they had received adequate anatomy teaching in medical school.…”

“… 4 – 6 A lack of consistency across UK medical schools with regard to their undergraduate ENT curriculum further compounds these shortcomings, 7 which is concerning as this stage of training is crucial in encouraging students to pursue a career in ENT. 8 Furthermore, it was found that 30 per cent of general practitioners in South West England had received no formal hospital experience or had any form of post-graduate teaching in ENT. 9 …”

ENT in the undergraduate curriculum

“…3 In this month's issue of the Journal of Laryngology & Otology, Mayer et al make a strong case for greater exposure to ENT within the medical school curriculum, in order to facilitate active recruitment of medical students and junior doctors into Otolaryngology Higher Surgical Training. 4 The authors also encourage mentorship for students with an interest in ENT.…”