Articles related to MEDICAL CAREERS

Addressing the Crisis: Reinventing the Clinical Research Workforce The clinical research enterprise, the backbone of medical advancement, is at a crossroads. A deep-seated crisis in the workforce threatens to halt progress, demanding urgent, systemic solutions. Key Points: “Now is the time to fix the evidence generation system.” US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert M. Califf in January 2023

Optometry students have navigated unprecedented challenges, embraced technology, and shaped the future of their profession, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to excellence. Optometry students have undergone significant changes and challenges since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to remote learning and the absence of in-person interaction disrupted their programs. However, they persevered, adapted to new norms, and learned valuable lessons about themselves and their profession. During the pandemic, optometry students learned the importance of self-care and compassion. They developed new routines, sought help when needed, and found ways to disconnect and tune into their own needs. By nurturing their humanistic side, they became better clinicians, strengthening their connections with patients. Optometry students also woke up to the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They recognized the lack of representation on their campuses and embraced a commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment. They spoke up, advocating for systemic change and pushing for policies and programs that promote DEI. The financial aspect of optometry school remains a challenge for students. With high tuition costs, additional expenses for studying from home, and the burden of student debt, planning for financial stability becomes difficult. Despite these […]

Oncologists transitioning to industry roles—a significant trend seen in recent years that may have profound implications for patient care. A recent JCO Oncology Practice study reveals a surprising shift in the field of oncology. It suggests that a significant 20% of US oncologists transitioned away from patient-facing roles between 2015 and 2022. To ascertain this, researchers tapped into the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ national provider database. This database helped identify oncologists who ceased billing during the specified period, marking their shift away from direct patient care. From the 16,870 oncologists examined, 21% had moved away from patient-facing roles by 2022. Interestingly, these included oncologists specializing in hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, and surgical oncology. Attrition rates differed based on experience level, with oncologists having over 30 years of experience showing a notably higher attrition rate (45%) than those with less than 30 years (11%). Diving further, the researchers conducted a subanalysis on oncologists who left patient-facing roles. Their data reveals that 26% of these oncologists transitioned to pharmaceutical and biotechnology roles. Additionally, this move towards industry roles correlated with previous receipt of industry funding, pointing towards a possible link between industry funding and career shifts. This […]

As nurses, we often experience unexpected detours in our career journeys, providing us with opportunities to diversify our experiences. Yet, there are times when we may feel stagnant and crave change. For such moments, here are some pivotal steps to advance your nursing career. Firstly, seize the power of networking. Attend local or international conferences—be they virtual or in-person. Connect with fellow attendees and presenters, ask insightful questions, and exchange contact information. Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, also provide an excellent avenue for fostering professional connections, while practicing caution against potential misinformation. Furthermore, consider finding a mentor—a trusted colleague who can guide and support your professional growth. Secondly, consider joining a committee or board. Back in 2014, the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) set a goal to fill 10,000 board seats with nurses by 2020. We reached this milestone! Our unique perspective is invaluable in decision-making processes, given our roles as the largest segment of healthcare providers. So, join working groups, committees, boards, councils, or governments to ensure our voice is heard. Thirdly, achieve specialty certification. Doing so communicates commitment to your education and, consequently, to patient care and outcomes. Certification also boosts your confidence, career advancement, and potentially, your […]

Physician burnout: A rising concern in the medical field, driving doctors to explore alternative career paths. Physician burnout has reached an alarming stage, with doctors increasingly contemplating leaving their medical practices. This exodus has primarily been influenced by the intense stress, emotional trauma, and overwhelming challenges they face in their careers. Importantly, the trend is not just an individual crisis, but a looming threat to the healthcare system. According to recent studies, 20% of physicians express intentions to quit their current practice within two years, and a third aim to cut down their working hours significantly. These statistics could precipitate a healthcare crisis, with the Association of American Medical Colleges predicting a potential shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 physicians by 2034. It’s worth noting that the reasons for this growing disenchantment extend beyond the physical and mental toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, doctors attribute their dissatisfaction to various issues tied to the broader healthcare landscape. They report frequent clashes with insurance companies, dwindling physician autonomy, bureaucratic hurdles, hostility from patients, lack of support from hospital administrations, and an inability to practice the art of bedside medicine. Physicians are not walking away from their professions because they can’t handle the […]

In an interview with OBR Oncology, Hagop Kantarjian, MD, professor and chair of the leukemia department at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discussed the importance for young oncologists to think critically and avoid following the crowd. He warned that “herd mentality” can lead to poor decision-making and can ultimately harm patients. Dr. Kantarjian urged young oncologists to be open to new ideas and to challenge the status quo. He also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and staying up-to-date on the latest research. By following these principles, young oncologists can make a real difference in the lives of their patients.