title: [The shortage of qualified staff in Germany: a survey on head physicians' expectations of young doctors].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The shortage of medical specialists in Germany has led to increased competition between hospitals, particularly in the recruitment of young skilled doctors. The quality of training appears to be the critical factor in a clinic's recruiting process. At the same time, the suitability of candidates is decreasing. There is currently no data on the suitability of candidates for otorhinolaryngology, nor are there any forecasts about the labor shortage in this speciality.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compiled a questionnaire according to accepted guidelines, which was then sent to 160 ENT departments by email. We asked about the size and location of the department and the number of applicants that were suitable or unsuitable. Finally, we asked about the current availability of staff as well as the requirements set by the head physician.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 34% (54 questionnaires). Departments received an average of 20 applications per year, of which 36% were unsuitable. Departments received more applications in the new German states than in the old; however, no difference in the quality of candidates was seen. University hospitals receive almost three times more applications than other hospitals. The size of the department correlates with the number of applications and quality of the candidates. Almost 60% of chief physicians expected the lack of qualified staff to worsen in the future. However, 40% of chief physicians of large departments (> 50 beds) expected the situation to improve or remain unchanged. Chief physicians' main expectations of candidates included commitment, independent learning and team spirit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A broad and structured residency program for new employees is the most important factor in the recruitment of new physicians. Large departments and university hospitals have advantages here. The expectations of head physicians differ from those of young staff in terms of commitment and autonomous learning.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Kerpener Str 62, Gebäude 23, 50924 Köln. kristina.schmidt77@gmx.de
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liebeneiner
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Hüttenbrink
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000193:education* / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D008486:Physician Executives; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce