What Influences Residents' Cardiology Career Choices?

Aligning the interests and preferences of trainees with cardiology culture could enhance the attractiveness and increase workforce diversity, results from a new study published in JAMA Cardiology suggested. Researchers seeking to clarify professional development preferences and perceptions of cardiology surveyed a total of 1,123 trainees from 198 residency programs. The associations between demographics and survey responses with career choices were determined using multivariable models.

According to the results, preferences (in descending order) included stable hours, family friendliness, female friendliness, positive role model availability, financial benefits, professional challenges, patient focus and the opportunity for a stimulating career. Interestingly, women and future noncardiologists had more negative perceptions of cardiology as a career and reported valuing a work-life balance more important than did men surveyed, who emphasized the potential professional advantages of working in cardiology.

SOURCE: JAMA Cardiology