Perceptions of the Stressful Job Search for Pediatric
Hematology/Oncology Fellows
Abstract
The PHO workforce landscape has been evolving over the past decades,
with concern for waning interest in the subspecialty. In this study, we
aimed to evaluate perceptions of the PHO workforce (both fellows and
faculty), the experience of seeking an initial faculty position, and its
impact on fellow stress and anxiety. An anonymous survey consisting of
demographics, job search experiences including barriers and helpful
tools, and emotional health impacts such as stress and anxiety was
developed and distributed to all PHO fellowship programs. Seventy-nine
fellows and 83 faculty responded. Faculty were less likely than fellows
to perceive that fellows are struggling to find jobs ( P=0.0198).
However, faculty were more likely than fellows to perceive that fellows
are either “extremely stressed” or “stressed” due to job search (
P=0.0003). By June 2021, 30 of 44 (68%) candidates had been
offered a position, and 80% of those had accepted. There were no
significant associations between fellow stress level and job offering,
proximity to their ideal goals, or change in career type. Common
barriers to the job search included geographic constraints and partner
employment. Respondents identified centralized job listings, formal
training on career development strategies, introduction to various
career paths, and more transparency about the job search as needed
interventions. The perception of difficulty and stress regarding the job
search is endorsed by most, identifying a need for more interventions to
improve the job search experience. These data also highlight unmet
mentorship and educational needs among PHO fellows in preparing for the
job search.