What drives US gastroenterology fellows to pursue academic vs. non-academic careers?: Results of a national survey

Abstract

Objectives: We conducted a nationwide survey of US gastroenterology fellows to identify key demographic and job-related factors relevant to the decision between an academic and a non-academic career.

Methods: A survey was e-mailed to all US GI fellowship program directors and distributed at fellows' endoscopy courses. Data were evaluated via univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: One hundred eighty-four fellows completed surveys. Univariate analysis identified one factor that predisposed fellows to pursue non-academic practice: the perception that a non-academic salary would meet their financial needs. Four factors were identified that predisposed fellows to pursue academic practice: age>35 years, prior attainment of a master's or a PhD degree, and advanced fellowship. All factors were significant on multivariate analysis. If salaries were equal, 60% of respondents would choose academic over non-academic practice. Fellows selecting academic practice were motivated to publish and conduct research. Level of debt and a positive relationship with a mentor were not significant factors.

Conclusions: Fellows desiring more money strongly favor non-academic practice. Fellows choosing academic practice tend to be older, plan to pursue advanced training, desire fewer work hours per week, and have a higher rate of prior graduate study. If salaries were equal in academic medicine and non-academic practice, the majority of fellows would choose academic medicine.