Round pegs in square holes: getting career choices right.

摘要

The conference title highlights the potential conflict between the workforce and workplace. Dr Helen Goodyear, Chair of the Intercollegiate Improving Working Lives (IWL) Committee, explained that the Committee chose this theme to match the aspirations and expectations of doctors and dentists with NHS service demands, which is key to achieving a good work-life balance. The speakers and invited audience included several presidents of royal colleges and medical schools and postgraduate deans with experience in workforce planning, medical education, professional development and planning of NHS services. The conference examined the influences behind career choices made by undergraduates and junior doctors and how changes in career development and support throughout doctors' and dentists' careers will need to be managed in order to meet future NHS service needs. Dr Goodyear stressed that professional attitudes towards the way we work will also need to change.