Perspectives in Post-Pandemic Employment for Emergency Medicine Trainees
Abstract
Learning Objectives: To survey graduating EM residents on their perceptions of the EM job market and its effect on their desire to pursue fellowship training.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes to the emergency medicine (EM) workforce which pose challenges to residents graduating from EM training programs. New graduates face increasing uncertainty in the search for their first job. EM graduates in 2020 and 2021 saw a notable decrease in opportunities compared to years prior. ACEP’s Workforce Study (April 2021) predicts a surplus of emergency physicians by 2030. Objectives: To survey graduating EM residents on their perceptions of the EM job market and its effect on their desire to pursue fellowship training.
Methods: We surveyed senior residents (PGY2 and above) at three- and four-year EM residency programs in the greater NYC area. Paper surveys were mailed out to each of the programs with a return envelope; a virtual link to complete the survey was also made available. Surveys were distributed from August 2021 to November 2021 to 22 EM residency programs (695 residents). Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The only demographic information gathered was program name and PGY level.
Results: A total of 412 senior residents from the 22 EM residency programs completed the survey. Of the 412 seniors, 183 were PGY2s, 174 were PGY3s, and 55 were PGY4s and 5s (we included responses from residents in combined EM/IM programs). Survey questions and results are summarized in Table 1. Compared to colleagues in previous years, graduating EM residents anticipated broadening their job search. 58% of those considering fellowship after residency stated that their interest in fellowship has increased due to anticipated challenges in the job market (difficulty securing a full-time attending position).
Conclusions: The majority of senior residents expressed concern about the current and future EM job market. How and where EM graduates apply for jobs may be impacted as a result. These data may prove valuable to residency programs, institutions, physician groups, and EM-bound medical students.