Article contents
A systematic review of factors affecting choice of otolaryngology as a career in medical students and junior doctors
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 September 2019
Abstract
There is growing concern over a future shortfall in provision of UK otolaryngology consultants. There is a declining rate of applications to otolaryngology specialty training in the UK.
This study aimed to systematically review the literature to establish what factors influence medical students’ and junior doctors’ decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology.
Medline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed.
Eleven articles were included in the review. Common factors that positively influenced the decision to pursue a career in otolaryngology were exposure to the specialty, positive role models and a good work-life balance. Lack of exposure was a consistent deterrent from pursuing a career in otolaryngology.
This review reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology should be a priority.
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- Copyright
- Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019
Footnotes
Mr A W Mayer takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper
Presented at the National ENT Teaching Conference, 29th April 2019, Nottingham, UK.
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