US dermatopathology fellows career survey: 2004-2005.

Background: Graduates of a dermatopathology fellowship may choose an academic career or a career in private practice.

Objective: To assess career plans of 2004-2005 dermatopathology fellows and to correlate an academic career choice with factors identified in a national survey of US dermatopathology fellowship programs.

Methods: Surveys were mailed to 60 trainees at 45 dermatopathology fellowship programs across the United States. Pearson correlation analysis was used to interpret the data.

Results: Thirty-five surveys (58% response rate) were returned. Top five factors that correlated positively with an academic career choice were graduating from a non-US medical school, performing research during fellowship, importance of research in a career decision, completing a dermatology residency and publication requirement in fellowship. Top five factors that correlated positively with choosing a career in private practice were loan debt, importance of salary/earning potential, importance of job availability, being married and having an employed spouse.

Limitations: Study limitations are a small sample size and potential response bias.

Conclusion: Supporting research during fellowship, supporting applicants who completed a dermatology residency or graduated from a foreign medical school, providing loan forgiveness/repayment and increasing earning/salary potential in academic practice may encourage more young physicians to join the academic workforce.