Integrating academic medical education into vocational general practitioner training: how do these combined training posts impact on subsequent career paths?

McHale, Liam; Wass, Val

Abstract

Background
In the UK, to encourage academic careers, extended education posts (EEPs) exist, where standard three-year, general practice vocational training is extended, offering trainees dedicated time to spend in another specialty such as medical education (Med Ed). Little is known about whether this impacts positively on their subsequent careers.

Aims
To explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences and career trajectories after undertaking Med Ed EEPs.

Method
Twenty-eight GPs who completed a Med Ed EEP between 2013 and 2021 were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were held virtually. Transcripts were coded with NVivo software and underwent thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework to ensure a reiterative process of internal validation.

Results
Eight GPs took part. All were working as NHS GPs, alongside other roles. Four themes emerged: ‘growing as an academic educator’, ‘research can be interesting’, ‘the academic environment’ and ‘juggling multiple roles is stressful’. Most were still teaching, involved in research and had undertaken formal Med Ed training. Role models and immersion in academic teams were influential. Significant tensions and stresses were experienced when balancing multiple roles. The absence of ongoing academic training tracks contributed to this.

Conclusion
EEPs impact positively on academic career development and the acquisition of appropriate skills. However, managing multiple roles is challenging and stressful. Short-term university contracts, difficulties obtaining flexible working and resultant lack of partnership or salaried clinical work highlight an urgent need to explore fixed academic training pathways after vocational training, if sustainable recruitment into primary care academia is to be achieved.

Citation

McHale, L., & Wass, V. (in press). Integrating academic medical education into vocational general practitioner training: how do these combined training posts impact on subsequent career paths?. Education for Primary Care, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14739879.2024.2387103

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 29, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 16, 2024
• Journal: Education for Primary Care
• Print ISSN: 1473-9879
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-8
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14739879.2024.2387103
• Keywords: Integrated training posts; medical education; general practice; academic; extended education posts
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/920798
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14739879.2024.2387103#abstract