Working conditions for young trainees and junior researchers in ophthalmology: results of a recent online questionnaire

• Published in: Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft Vol. 107; no. 12; pp. 1176 - 1184
• Main Authors: Meltendorf, C, Ziemssen, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; German
• Published: Germany 01.12.2010
• Subjects: Adult; Aspirations (Psychology); Career Choice; Data Collection; Female; Germany; Hospitals, Teaching; Hospitals, University; Humans; Internet; Internship and Residency; Male; Ophthalmology - education; Publishing; Research Personnel; Surveys and Questionnaires; Work Schedule Tolerance; Germany
• ISSN: 1433-0423
• DOI: 10.1007/s00347-010-2302-9

By evaluating the current working conditions of young ophthalmology researchers in Germany, potential deficits should be highlighted to create a greater transparency. Within the time period between October 2008 and March 2009 all residents and junior researchers at university eye hospitals and teaching hospitals were invited to participate in an open online survey to retrieve validated data on four different topics. A total of 187 validated residents filled out the questionnaire consisting of 48 items. The mean age of the 84 women and 77 men was 32±4 years and 48% of the physicians reported exceeding the normal working hours (by law) 4-5 times per week. Of the respondents 76% ruled out ever being supported in their research activities by a temporary release from clinical work. Nevertheless, several indices indicated enthusiastic career aspirations and research activities. The career success scale was greater than 5 in 70 (37%) of the participants (mean: 4.5). An adequate access to ophthalmologic online journals was indicated only by 59% of the people surveyed and 45% of scientists required additional support by English native speakers when writing a scientific manuscript. All physicians interviewed would decide in favor of ophthalmology again when asked which discipline would be chosen and 28% of the residents would not apply for a job at the same institution again. The atmosphere, access to surgical training and the quality of teaching were specified as the most important factors in the career decision in favor of a certain university. Some deficits of the training and working conditions could be clearly identified in the view of ophthalmology residents. Facing the unbroken high attractiveness of clinical disciplines, the provided insights can support further training programs and research incentives to improve the scientific output and ophthalmologic research in the long term.