Perceptions of Training, Self-efficacy, and Mentoring in Specialist Trainees

An online survey was used to collect data from veterinarians in advanced clinical specialty training for organizations recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties. Results were compiled and analyzed by professional career interest (ie. academic medicine or private practice) and gender.
1053 veterinarians were solicited and 207 (20%) responses were analyzed. 93 of 198 (47%) indicated an optimal career choice of academic medicine, while 101/198 (53%) reported private clinical practice as their preferred career. Preferred career choice did not differ based upon respondents sex. Perceptions of likelihood of success in an academic career was high, increasing with progression from year 1 to year 3 of their program. There was no difference in expectation of success based upon preferred career choice or respondents sex. Self-efficacy in the domain of teaching was high among all respondents for most, but not all, teaching skills and did not differ based upon respondents sex or stated preferred career path. Self-efficacy in most research skills was also high, but was reported to be low in the area of formulating research hypotheses and designing studies. Perception of training emphasis indicated strong mentoring in the area of clinical activity and instruction, and lesser mentoring and training emphasis in multiple areas of research and scholarly activity.
Lower self-efficacy in aspects of academic career appears to be related to training emphasis and mentoring. Enhanced emphasis on the identified areas of weakness may improve trainees interest in pursuing an academic career, and enhance their success should they pursue that path.