Survey: Challenging Work-Life Balance, Lack of Diversity Among Top Trainee Perceptions of Cardiology

Interference with family life and a lack of diversity were among some of the top perceptions trainees going into cardiology had about the field, according to new study results.  

Researchers, publishing in JAMA Cardiology, surveyed 4,850 trainees (55.7% men) and used multivariable models to find any associations between demographics and responses regarding prospective career choices. The surveys focused on professional development preferences and perceptions of cardiology as a profession, as well as the influences those perceptions had on the career choices of the trainees.  

New data from @ACCinTouch @pamelasdouglas @LindaGillamMD: IM residents have strong negative perceptions of #cardiology that conflict with professional needs and affect fellowship selection https://t.co/sMyRkJbyE7 #ACCWI

— JAMA Cardiology (@JAMACardio) August 20, 2018

According to the study results, development preferences included (in decreasing order of significance) stable hours, compatibility with family, female friendliness, availability of positive role models, financial benefits, and more. Trainee perceptions of the cardiology field (in decreasing order of significance) included adverse job conditions, a lack of work-life balance, a lack of diversity. The results also indicated that women, who valued work-family life balance more highly, were more likely to hold negative perceptions of cardiology than men or future cardiologists did. 

“Alignment of cardiology culture with trainees’ preferences and perceptions may assist efforts to ensure the continued attractiveness of cardiology careers and increase the diversity of the cardiology workforce,” the researchers wrote in the study. 

Internal med residents value stable hours and family friendliness but feel cardiology offers adverse work conditions and poor work life balance. This drives away talent– must be fixed!! https://t.co/Gkx2RdBXSU
Now in print @ACCinTouch @MinnowWalsh @JAMACardio @Drroxmehran

— Pamela S Douglas (@pamelasdouglas) August 16, 2018

Now you know how we feel in general surgery. Agree these perceptions need fixing @WomenSurgeons https://t.co/UVuJfoX3be

— Sareh Parangi,MD (@SarehParangiMD) August 16, 2018

Perceptions of #Cardiology. Great work by @Pam elasdouglas et al. “Women & future noncardiologists valued work-life balance more highly & had more negative perceptions of cardiology than men or future cardiologists”. Need changes if we want #women #accwic https://t.co/qtA7pwz7aQ

— Dr. Martha Gulati ♥️🫀❤️‍🩹🇨🇦 (@DrMarthaGulati) May 30, 2018

This is a must read if you round with trainees re: trainee perceptions of cardiology @dramitkhera @sandeepdasmd @melsulistio @MarkDrazner @josephahill https://t.co/bb9nhl3zYc

— Jainy Savla (@JainySavlaMD) May 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/ACCCVQuality/statuses/1003689101873344512

Proud to see this published in @JAMACardio Thanks to @bonowr , Pat O'Gara and @NMHheartdoc for editorial leadership on topic! We can do better! https://t.co/kcpANP5xqD

— Robert Harrington (@HeartBobH) May 30, 2018

Source: JAMA Cardiology