Factors Associated with Subspecialty Choice of Cardiology Trainees in the North West of England: Forced by Vacancy or have a Clear Plan of Future?

Aim: Limited information exists on perceptions and professional development preferences on how trainees choose their sub-specialty. This study plan was set up to explore trainee cardiologists’ views of sub-specialty choice, with particular emphasis on career choices. Methods: This study was undertaken using questionnaires – “predetermined” through a web-based survey method. All cardiology trainees in the Health Education England North West (HEE NW) based in Merseyside and Manchester were asked to participate. This study had ethics approval from Edge Hill University and HEE research governance group. Results: The survey was sent to 49 trainees in the region and out of them 32 the completed survey. 25% were females, 66% were in their Specialty Training (ST) ST3-ST5 training, 78% had their under-graduate training in the UK, 94% were full time trainees and 69% were in the 30 to 35-year age group. The stimulating career, positive role model, family friendly and stable hours were found to be the key professional developmental factors in sub-specialty choice. Female friendly was less favored. Interference with family life, intellectually stimulating, and compensation and integration were key perception on sub-specialty choice. Adverse job conditions were not perceived as influential in sub-specialty choice. Prior clinical experience and easy access to training were the other factors influencing the trainee’s choice of sub- specialty. The adverse job conditions including exposure to radiation, unplanned on-calls and long operating time were associated with procedural related sub-specialties. The interference with family life, more financial benefit, positive role models, professional challenges and patient focus were associated with interventional Cardiology. Female friendly, family friendly, stable hours, compensation / integration were associated with imaging sub-specialty. Conclusion: Studying in depth into trainees’ perceptions and preferences may help in any efforts to make sub-specialty choice attractive and also help match work force to demand in the region.