Fellows’ Focus: Results of the 2010 Fellows’ Survey

In 2010, the Affiliate NetWork Steering Committee conducted a confidential and anonymous survey of fellows asking them to evaluate their fellowship training experience, share their career plans, and inform us of ways in which the College could assist them with meeting their educational and career goals.

Of the 115 respondents, approximately two-thirds (64.8%) planned on pursuing careers in academic medicine; most finding their calling as clinician-educators (40.5%), and two-thirds (66%) aspiring to become future leaders of the College.

Although most fellows (80%) believed that their training program met their expectations, a majority of respondents felt that they had insufficient experience in the following areas: endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) (60.9%), interventional bronchoscopy (58.2%), lung transplant (56.4%), neuro-critical care (55%), and pulmonary rehabilitation (50.9%).

The top three choices highlighted for additional Affiliate NetWork Web site features were: a recommended reading list on clinical subjects; online case submissions that could be considered “e-publications”; and career guides (94.2%, 83.5%, and 82.4%, respectively, rated these as a 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale).

While the role and responsibilities of our committee continually evolve, our primary goal remains the education, welfare, and professional development of our trainees. ACCP’s Affiliate NetWork will utilize the feedback constructively by exploring new and innovative educational programs and resources that will enhance educational and career goals. Such programs will include the introduction of novel NetWork Highlight sessions and simulation training during the annual meeting and implementation of inventive resources and learning modules to the NetWork Web site.

Dr. Nader Kamangar, FCCP, Vice-Chair; and
Dr. John D. Buckley, FCCP, Chair