Junior doctors' experiences of the medical internship: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore medical interns' experiences of medical internships.

Methods: Situated in an interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative study was carried out to explore medical interns' experiences of the internship. Invitations to participate were sent via email to medical interns currently in their last six months of internship. The first ones to respond were included. The study sample comprised twelve participants, of whom seven were women. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured and in-depth interviews with volunteering medical interns from three different hospital sites. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed through qualitative content analysis, generating overarching themes.

Results: Four main themes were identified in our data. The interns felt increasingly comfortable as doctors ('finding one's feet') by taking responsibility for patients while receiving necessary help and assistance ('a doctor with support'). Although appreciative of getting an overview of the healthcare organisation ('healthcare sightseeing'), interns were exhausted by repeatedly changing workplaces and felt stuck in a rigid framework ('stuck at the zoo').

Conclusions: In contrast to previous studies, this study shows that the transition from medical school to clinical work as a professional does not necessarily have to be characterised by stress and mental exhaustion but can, with extensive support, provide a fruitful opportunity for medical interns to grow into their roles as doctors. However, there is still unutilised potential for the medical internship to act as a powerful catalyser for learning, which educators and programme directors need to consider.

Keywords: introductory service; junior doctor; medical internship; postgraduate education; transition.