List date(s) this work was published or aired.
31-Aug-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The generation of doctors entering the workforce are a different breed than doctors nearing retirement — they want better work-life balance. The workload, stress and pay of particular specialties is increasingly influencing graduates’ career choices.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Reports and studies I consulted while researching this story include: – “2012 Next Generation Physician Survey,” Physicians Foundation (March 2012). The survey of physicians (under 40 yrs old) revealed that the top factors influencing their career choices were income, job security and family. -“2011 State Physician Workforce Data Book,” American Association of Medical Colleges (Nov. 2011). The report included state-by-state data on physicians’ age, education, practice area.
Explain types of human sources used.
I spoke with physicians at every level in their career — medical students, residents, doctors who had just taken their first position and doctors nearing retirement. I talked to a mix of doctors employed at hospitals (both teaching hospitals and smaller community hospitals) and at private practices. I also talked to administrators at a local medical school, University of Maryland School of Medicine, about trends among medical students. I was not able to include in the story every source I spoke with but think their personal stories and comments played a large role in ensuring my article was representative of the local culture.
Results:
This story lead a special section on health care in the Baltimore Business Journal.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
I have since reported on the potential impact specialty choice may have on Maryland’s supply of primary care doctors. Medical schools reported fewer students opting for higher-paying specialties instead of primary care. This story does not have any corrections or clarifications and no one has challenged its accuracy.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
I would recommend speaking with as diverse a selection of physicians as possible. I found the area’s medical schools to be an excellent source of data and expertise to support this story.