Journal Article

365 Improving exposure to paediatric subspecialties: enhancing trainee experience and understanding of potential specialty career pathways in a tertiary children’s hospital

Kamal Ajanta, Whitehead, Jennifer, Lazenby Sophia

2023

Overview

ObjectivesApplying for subspecialty training can be a daunting experience for trainees, with many feeling they have had minimal exposure to a variety of specialties during their allocated rotations. With the introduction of Progress+ this issue is increasingly pertinent, as trainees will now apply for subspecialty pathways at an earlier stage. Our project, based at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital was designed with the following outcomes in mind:1. To establish trainee understanding of subspecialty careers, the impact of Progress+ on subspecialty applications and their awareness of opportunities available to obtain specialty experience.2. To produce a resource that would provide a concise overview of each subspecialty, along with detailed information about opportunities available for trainees in order to gain experience within their network (i.e. taster weeks, departmental courses and clinics.)Methods1. A survey was sent to all paediatric trainees and clinical fellows working at the Evelina, to ascertain their understanding of Progress+ and their experiences across a range of paediatric subspecialties.2. All subspecialty education lead consultants were contacted to collaborate on producing a brochure detailing information about the specialty and opportunities that could be offered to trainees.Results24 responses to the survey were received. The results showed that only 2 trainees had a good understanding of careers in multiple Paediatric specialties and 75% of trainees were not aware of opportunities available to them to gain speciality experience (fig 1). 41% did not feel confident in understanding the impact of Progress+ upon applications to subspecialty training (fig 2).A brochure was produced and disseminated to all junior doctors working at the Evelina. This included information regarding Progress+, changes to GRID applications and an overview of all specialties with trainee opportunities listed. Departmental lead contact details were also included, to facilitate trainees’ ability to take up opportunities easily.ConclusionWith the introduction of Progress+ in Summer 2023, it is important to provide trainees with tools to facilitate informed decisions about the training pathway that they wish to take. For 2020/2021 the total fill rate for GRID training posts was 72.67%.¹ As suggested by our data, this may reflect a lack of exposure to subspecialties and lack of knowledge regarding career pathways. The development of user-friendly regional guides will enable more trainees to access information about subspecialty posts and provide them with the confidence to seek out learning and professional development opportunities.ReferenceFill rates by sub-specialty and region 2020/2021. (RCPCH online.) Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2021-03/fill_rates_by_sub_specialty_and_region_20_21.pdf [Accessed 4 Feb. 2023].Abstract 365 Figure 1Are you aware of opportunities available to you to get specialty experience, such as taster weeks/departmental courses/clinics. (Not within a specialty that you are currently working in)[Image Omitted. See PDF.]

• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subject: Brochures / Career Pathways / Careers / Opportunities / Pediatrics / Surveys / Trainees / Training