The Case for Junior Doctor Academic Internships: A Narrative Review of the Published Literature

Abstract

Introduction: There is a growing concern with the dwindling academic workforce especially in medicine. Academic internships refer to a hybrid internship during which an intern spends a period of time (typically 3-6 months) in academic/research endeavours. These may serve as initial research experience for junior doctors. However, the merits of this programme have not been assessed to date. Methods: Studies on integrated academic internships by junior doctors (ie, interns) were included in the present review. The identified articles were grouped into themes. For each article, the methodological approach (and subsequent implemented methods) was noted. The articles were also critically appraised for methodological soundness (both at the study-level, and the outcomelevel). Results: A total of 1621 publication titles were identified and screened, of which 8 publications were included in the final review. The major themes of the identified publications are: overview of the academic internship programme, evaluation of a programme's experience and outcomes, and other miscellaneous publications. Discussion:The studies to date have only reported on "soft outcomes", but overall, interns and supervisors alike appear to be satisfied with the programme. Whether the programme increases the likelihood of future academic careers is difficult to establish at this juncture. The academic internship posts appear to be competitive, which reflect their popularity among graduating medical students.

The landscape of research during post‐graduate medical training in New Zealand

“…The UK Academic Foundation Programme has been in existence since 2005 8 and is the best‐known example. We have previously reviewed the available literature on academic internship programmes 9 …”

“…We have previously reviewed the available literature on academic internship programmes. 9 Graduates of the UK academic internship programmes are just as, if not more, clinically capable than their nonacademic route peers. 9 The research skills they acquire are likely to enhance their clinical judgement and inform their clinical practice.…”

“…9 Graduates of the UK academic internship programmes are just as, if not more, clinically capable than their nonacademic route peers. 9 The research skills they acquire are likely to enhance their clinical judgement and inform their clinical practice. In addition, they are less likely to require 'introduction to research' guidance 10 or face difficulties when completing their vocational training formal research projects in the future.…”

“…Application of aspects of the academic internship to the New Zealand context (adapted with permission from Alamri et al9 ) …”