O08 Findings of the British Association of Dermatologist’s career survey of dermatologists in training and new consultant dermatologists
Authors: Lauren Passby, Ajoy Bardhan, Tamara Griffiths, Mahbub M.U. Chowdhury
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2024)

Abstract Workforce data from 2021 revealed 159 whole-time equivalent consultant vacancies across dermatology departments in the UK [Levell N. Dermatology GIRFT Programme National Specialty Report. Available at: https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/medical_specialties/dermatology (last accessed 20 February 2024)]. Despite 364 doctors joining the specialist register (SR) between 2018 and September 2023, the total number of doctors on the dermatology SR with a licence to practise declined from 1335 to 1266 (General Medical Council. Freedom of Information Act request, 2023). We surveyed those joining the SR from 2018 onwards and current trainees to identify career plans and associated motivating factors. Online surveys were distributed to British Association of Dermatologists members and current dermatology specialty registrars and candidates for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR). Sixty-one consultants responded, of whom the majority are working in the same location as they trained (75%). In total, 69% are working in substantive NHS consultant posts, with 10% in locum NHS posts. Overall, 13% are working partly in the private sector and two are working solely in the private sector. Two responders had left the UK to practise abroad, while 62.9% are working either less than full time (LTFT) or in split academic–clinical work. The most common factors influencing career choice are location, job opportunities, and family and personal reasons. Driving factors included familiarity with the department, and perceived good team ethos. Push factors away from NHS work included high workloads with decreasing resources, and a lack of dedicated workspace. Overall, 106 dermatology specialty registrars and CESR candidates across all training deaneries responded. The majority (61.3%) plan to stay in the same region upon completion of their training, 10.4% plan to work in a different UK region, 5.6% plan to work outside of the UK, and 21.7% are unsure. In total, 28.3% plan to work solely as substantive NHS consultants, with a further 36.8% planning to work in both the NHS and the private sector. Only 28.3% plan to work full time clinically, with the remainder planning either to work LTFT or to combine their clinical work with other work. Factors influencing these choices are location, job opportunities and a better quality of life. Pull factors towards NHS posts include location, job security and supportive colleagues. Push factors include poor pay, lack of respect, and growing workloads. These data give a snapshot into current and future career decisions for UK dermatologists. Although these data are unlikely to capture the full spectrum of post-Certificate of Completion of Training/CESR outcomes (as only British Association of Dermatologists members were contacted), they support the expansion of dermatology training, given that the majority of new and future consultants plan to work LTFT within the NHS or outside of the NHS altogether.