Abstract
Introduction
Graduate transition is a significant time for medical graduates, not only to consolidate theory and practice, but to manage the shift in expectations and responsibility as a paid employee. A world-wide shortage of doctors and the ever-present challenges of delivering quality health care now and into the future add to the importance of investing and improving medical graduate preparedness (Monrouxe, 2018). In 2015, the Australian government undertook a major review of medical intern training, partly in response to concerns that graduates from Australian medical programs were not ‘work-ready’ (AHMAC, 2015), however national data and reports provide insufficient detail to unpick what the issues are. The work preparedness of Flinders University Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates research project explores the experiences of junior doctors in their first and second year of clinical practice and their preparedness for this transition.
Methods
The study adopted a qualitative research approach, of a four-year graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine (MD) program which has undergone significant changes over several years. Graduates in their first and second year of clinical practice took part in a 30-minute one on one interview. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Approval was granted by Flinders University’s Research Ethics Committee. Data collection and analysis are ongoing and will be finalised by mid-2023.
Results
Emerging themes indicate that Flinders graduates feel adequately prepared for their transition to internship, particularly in relation to providing person centred care. Participants struggled with some ‘hidden’ routine aspects of the intern role, as well as adjusting to varying workplace cultures within each rotation. The most notable realisation was the gravity of being a junior doctor and level of responsibility.
Discussion
Given the importance of adequate preparedness for practice, not only for graduates, but for employers and patients, it is imperative to identify challenges interns face and make curriculum adjustments to optimally prepare future doctors.
Graduate transition is a significant time for medical graduates, not only to consolidate theory and practice, but to manage the shift in expectations and responsibility as a paid employee. A world-wide shortage of doctors and the ever-present challenges of delivering quality health care now and into the future add to the importance of investing and improving medical graduate preparedness (Monrouxe, 2018). In 2015, the Australian government undertook a major review of medical intern training, partly in response to concerns that graduates from Australian medical programs were not ‘work-ready’ (AHMAC, 2015), however national data and reports provide insufficient detail to unpick what the issues are. The work preparedness of Flinders University Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates research project explores the experiences of junior doctors in their first and second year of clinical practice and their preparedness for this transition.
Methods
The study adopted a qualitative research approach, of a four-year graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine (MD) program which has undergone significant changes over several years. Graduates in their first and second year of clinical practice took part in a 30-minute one on one interview. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Approval was granted by Flinders University’s Research Ethics Committee. Data collection and analysis are ongoing and will be finalised by mid-2023.
Results
Emerging themes indicate that Flinders graduates feel adequately prepared for their transition to internship, particularly in relation to providing person centred care. Participants struggled with some ‘hidden’ routine aspects of the intern role, as well as adjusting to varying workplace cultures within each rotation. The most notable realisation was the gravity of being a junior doctor and level of responsibility.
Discussion
Given the importance of adequate preparedness for practice, not only for graduates, but for employers and patients, it is imperative to identify challenges interns face and make curriculum adjustments to optimally prepare future doctors.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2023 |
| Event | Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professionals Educators - Gold Coast, Gold Coast, Australia Duration: 26 Jun 2023 → … |
Conference
| Conference | Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professionals Educators |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Gold Coast |
| Period | 26/06/23 → … |
Keywords
- medical graduates
- internship
- graduate transition
- preparedness