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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

A W Mayer ,
K A Smith  and
S Carrie
A W Mayer*
Affiliation:
ENT department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, UK
K A Smith
Affiliation:
ENT department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, UK
S Carrie
Affiliation:
ENT department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Alasdair W Mayer, ENT Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK E-mail: alasdair.mayer@doctors.org.uk Fax: +44 191 223 1246
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Abstract

Background

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.

Objective

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.

Method

Medline, Embase and PubMed databases were searched in January 2019. Additional manual reference checks of identified literature were performed.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Keywords

OtolaryngologyCareer ChoiceInternship And ResidencyStudentsEducation, Medical
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 133 , Issue 10 , October 2019 , pp. 836 - 842
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019 

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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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