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. 2020 Mar;39(1):73-80.
doi: 10.1111/ajag.12670. Epub 2019 May 9.

Help, I'm a specialist!-Perspectives of recently qualified geriatricians on the experiences and challenges of working as a consultant geriatrician

Daniel Mark Simpkins  1 , Mark Ian Hohenberg  2   3 , Vasikaran Naganathan  1   4   5   6 , Kate White  1   4
Affiliations

Help, I'm a specialist!-Perspectives of recently qualified geriatricians on the experiences and challenges of working as a consultant geriatrician

Daniel Mark Simpkins et al. Australas J Ageing. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To gain insights into the experience and challenges faced by Australasian geriatricians who have recently made the transition from advanced trainee to consultant.

Methods: An interpretative exploratory qualitative study. Geriatricians with five or less years of experience as consultants were recruited by email. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with themes identified through open axial coding.

Results: Respondents (n = 20) experienced a transition period in which they adjusted to the roles of final decision-maker and manager. Respondents felt relatively confident with their clinical skills, but under-prepared for non-clinical roles associated with becoming a consultant. Most respondents described challenges with career planning. Support networks were considered critical.

Conclusions: This is the first study in Australasia exploring the transition from trainee to consultant geriatrician. Training programs should endeavour to create "consultant-like roles" during advanced training and address non-clinical competencies. Participants perceived that there should be more emphasis on career planning and mentorship.

Keywords: geriatricians; leadership; mentors; specialization; training.

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References

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