Transitioning From Trainee to Practicing Pathologist: A Prospective Multi-institutional Survey of the Challenges Early Career Anatomic Pathologists Encounter When Entering Independent Practice

Abstract

Context.— Pathology training programs generally prepare graduates well for the workforce, but there may be other aspects to navigating a job that make the transition from being a trainee to a practicing pathologist challenging. Objective.— To identify perceived challenges of independent practice for early career pathologists and assess how these impressions evolve throughout their first year. Design.— A survey was distributed to 12 anatomic pathology fellows from 4 institutions near the end of their final training year, and 6 months and 1 year after starting their first job. The surveys queried participants’ comfort level with signing out cases independently and interacting with colleagues/trainees via Likert attitude scale questions, with free-text segments to elaborate on challenges experienced. Results.— The response rate to all 3 surveys was 100%. Confidence and comfort level with different aspects of independent sign-out increased incrementally over time. Main challenges encountered at 6 months included a high case load, signing out cases in areas outside of their subspecialty, time management, balancing teaching while signing out, laboratory issues, and developing relationships with clinicians. At 12 months, main challenges included time management, high case load, understaffing, laboratory issues, and signing out cases in areas outside of their subspecialty. Conclusions.— This study identified real-time challenges faced by those adjusting to their first year of independent practice. By gaining a better understanding of the factors that make this transition challenging, we can find tailored ways to support our early career pathologists.