[Understanding the paths of internists in training: the COMET study]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Well-being
• Healthcare Workforce Research

Background:

• Physician training programs are critical for healthcare system stability.
• Understanding the factors influencing career choices of young physicians is essential.
• The COMET study addresses the physical, mental, and professional development of general internal medicine trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the physical and mental health of physicians training in general internal medicine (GIM) in Switzerland.
• To investigate the professional trajectories and career intentions of these trainees.
• To identify factors influencing GIM physician career choices.

Main Methods:

• Preliminary results from the ongoing COMET study are presented.
• The study involves 245 participants from 10 Swiss centers, initiated in August 2024.
• Data collected includes health status, career aspirations, and work-life balance perceptions.

Main Results:

• 70.6% of participants aim to specialize in GIM.
• 76.0% of trainees wish to work part-time, particularly women.
• Only 39.4% have a positive view of their work-life balance.
• Fewer than 5% plan to leave direct patient care within five years.

Conclusions:

• Physician trainees in GIM exhibit strong interest in specialization but express concerns regarding work-life balance.
• A significant proportion of trainees, especially women, prefer part-time work.
• Addressing trainees' work-life balance and career preferences is vital for retaining physicians and meeting healthcare demands.