Factors of Engagement in Research After Graduation from EP Fellowship: an HRS Survey.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The declining number of electrophysiologists pursuing academic ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ careers could negatively impact innovation for patients with heart rhythm disorders in the coming decades.OBJECTIVE: To explore determinants of ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ engagement after graduation from EP fellowship programs and evaluate associated barriers and opportunities.METHODS: A mixed methods survey of EP fellows and early career electrophysiologists was conducted, drawing from Heart Rhythm Society members. The survey encompassed 20 questions on demographics, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ involvement, perceived ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ barriers, and perspectives on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ time and opportunities. Responses were analyzed with robust Poisson regression.RESULTS: Among 259 respondents, those with dedicated ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ blocks during their fellowship had a significantly higher interest in future ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ (RR 1.15, p=0.04). The number of peer-reviewed publications modestly influenced interest in continued ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ (RR 1.0034 per publication, p < 0.0001), but there was no relationship to gender or race. Educational resources, networking opportunities, mentorship, funding, and protected time to enhance ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ engagement were important themes in the qualitative analysis, while key barriers to post-fellowship ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ were lack of mentorship, insufficient resources and time constraints in that order, particular with respect to women in ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½. Notably, no significant differences in barriers were observed between community training programs and academic centers.CONCLUSIONS: Research experience and mentorship during EP fellowship were key determinants of subsequent ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ success after training, with similar findings by sex and race. These findings explain how fellowship training influences a physician's ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ practice post training and highlights opportunities to modify EP fellowships and augment ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ retention.

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