"The three top reasons why fellows were somewhat, slightly,
or not at all satisfied with their career choice included the following: poor
income potential after graduation (69.5%), poor job opportunities after
graduation (68.3%), and long work hours (54.9%)"
This is a quote from an eye-opening commentary in CJASN by Hitesh Shah and colleagues that is well worth a read and food for thought for Program Directors in Nephrology.
The commentary provides insights using surveys into why nephrology fellows are dissatisfied with their career choice. Shah et al discuss strategies to promote interest
in nephrology and career satisfaction.
Suggestions include:
- Providing a more representative experience in nephrology to medical students and residents during their elective time, i.e., blending the inpatient experience with outpatient clinics, rounding with faculty in the outpatient dialysis unit and discussing clinical and basic research with faculty members
- Use of alternative teaching approaches, fro example the use of web-based learning
- Developing strong mentoring and teavhing; promoting this by investment in faculty development programs
