The employers' perspective on how PhD training affects physicians' performance in the clinic.
BACKGROUND
An increase in the number of MD-PhDs has sparked debate as to how physicians with PhD research training contribute in the clinic. This study focuses on the development and employment situation of MD-PhDs from Aarhus University, Denmark, and on the impact of MD-PhDs in the clinic as seen from the employers' perspective.


METHODS
The study is based on a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data hail from existing statistical data and reports, while the qualitative data stem from semi-structured interviews with six executive consultants and 36 members of appointment committees, mainly from hospitals in the Central Denmark Region.


RESULTS
Quantitative data reveal an increase in the number of MD-PhDs concluding their training at Aarhus University. The MD-PhDs are employed in the public sector and, overall, their skills match the employers' demands. Qualitative data show that employers were satisfied with the skills the MD-PhDs brought to the clinic, particularly in terms of their ability to assess and use new and relevant information and to instigate a more scientific approach in the clinic. Informants from remote hospitals expressed a demand for more MD-PhDs, while other informants were concerned about how some MD-PhDs stopped doing medical research in the clinic after completing their PhD.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, employers seem satisfied with the skills that MD-PhDs bring to the clinic. However, some voice concern that too much importance is attached to the PhD degree and that some MD-PhDs are not active doing research.


BACKGROUND
The study was funded by the Graduate School of Health (Aarhus University) and The Central Denmark Region.


BACKGROUND
not relevant.
pernille.andreassen@cesu.au.dk.
Pernille
P
Andreassen
Lise
L
Wogensen
Mette Krogh
MK
Christensen
D000328:Adult; D035843:Biomedical Research; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003718:Denmark; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006767:Hospitals, District; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010820:Physicians / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*