How to attract candidates to academic medicine

The current trends in career choices of our graduates, the changing expectations of the health care sector, the increasing complexity of the health care delivery system, and the changing demographics of our health care providers suggest that Canada may be facing an undersupply of academic physicians for the future needs of academic medicine unless we, collectively, address the issue and provide some solutions. It is equally clear that there is no single or simple solution to the problem of attracting candidates to academic medicine. Based on the best available information and projections, I would suggest that the following might be part of the solution: 1. Medical schools need to articulate their missions and goals, especially with respect to the desired educational outcomes. In doing so, it is critical that they not become 'carbon copies' of each other, but that each builds on individual strengths, recognizing the value of diversity of missions. The 16 medical schools should cooperate and formulate complementary objectives to meet the needs of society. 2. Planning of physician resources must be broad and nationally based, and must include the needs of academic medicine. In defining the nature and numbers of clinician-scientists required, the best available data must be sought - not just for the current situation, but for trends that have created the present situation. This must also be coupled to realistic projections of future needs of the health care delivery system and of academic research and teaching needs. 3. Educational programs at all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education) must be structured to ensure that they do not inadvertently discourage potential academics from their career goals. They must actively seek and encourage the talented individual destined for an academic career, and provide a career pathway that facilitates achievement of those goals and eliminates the barriers and restrictions that preclude the attainment of those career goals. Medical schools, accrediting groups, specialty societies, colleges, and licensing bodies must participate in a joint dialogue to meet these goals. The special needs of women must be addressed to enhance their participation in the academic enterprise. 4. Governments, universities, and funding agencies must begin to address the special needs of the research and teaching community, to provide security and stability that translates into a realistic career goal worthy of the commitment and dedication of our scientists, and to make academic medicine an attractive option for our bright and talented individuals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)