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Published on: November 9, 2016
Characteristics of emergency medicine program directors
Michael S Beeson1, Lowell W Gerson, John V Weigand
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Summa Health System, Akron, OH, USA. mbeeson@neo.rr.com
Summary
Emergency medicine program directors (PDs) report high job satisfaction and intend to stay longer in their roles compared to previous studies. Mentorship significantly increases PD job satisfaction and tenure.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Emergency Medicine Training
- Graduate Medical Education
Background:
- Understanding the characteristics and satisfaction levels of Emergency Medicine (EM) Program Directors (PDs) is crucial for program stability and effective training.
- Previous studies indicated significant turnover and varying satisfaction among EM PDs.
- The evolving landscape of graduate medical education necessitates updated data on PD roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize current Emergency Medicine Program Directors (PDs) in terms of demographics, work patterns, and challenges.
- To compare these characteristics with previously published data.
- To assess PD satisfaction and factors influencing their tenure.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered in 2002 to all accredited Emergency Medicine Program Directors.
- The survey collected data on demographics, work hours, support staff, perceived problems, salary, and job satisfaction.
- Data were analyzed and compared with findings from a 1995 study.
Main Results:
- A high response rate (88%) was achieved, with 109 EM PDs completing the survey.
- Mean age was 43.6 years, with a mean tenure of 5.7 years as PD.
- Mean job satisfaction was high (8.0/10), with PDs intending to stay a mean of 6.0 additional years; mentorship was associated with longer tenure.
- Key challenges included inadequate time, work-life balance interference, and insufficient faculty support.
- Most PDs utilized resources like national meetings, lectures, and advice from peers.
- Work hours averaged 195 hours/month (75 clinical, 80 administrative, 20 scholarly, 20 teaching).
Conclusions:
- Emergency Medicine Program Directors report high overall satisfaction with their positions, potentially due to increased support and resources.
- While PD turnover remains a concern, current PDs anticipate longer tenures than previously reported.
- Mentorship is a significant factor in enhancing PD satisfaction and commitment to the role.
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