6610 Addressing speciality recruitment: lessons for undergraduate medical educators from paediatrics

Objectives The NHS is at 'breaking point', exacerbated by chronic underfunding and poor job satisfaction. Issues with paediatric recruitment 'threaten the safety of our children's health'. The GMC Workforce Report warns of future implications if we do not improve recruitment to postgraduate training. Formative experiences at undergraduate (UG) level play an important role in future career choices.1–3 While national workforce strategies undergo review, we explore what can be done at an UG level to advocate for speciality training and promote recruitment.4 Methods We conducted a scoping review to identify evidenced strategies to promote paediatric recruitment. Our research identified a paediatric 'pipeline' as a strategic framework to help inform educators, academics and policymakers.5 One key theme identified was 'early UG exposure to paediatrics'. Results We identified two papers which specifically highlighted the importance of early clinical exposure to 'increase the flow' to paediatrics.2 3 These studies found that students who experienced early paediatric exposure were more likely to pursue it is a career. Based on this, we implemented key strategies to promote recruitment summarised in figure 1. These included seeking student experiences through focus groups to inform the new C25 paediatric curriculum and to streamline supervision on clinical electives. We enhanced preclinical exposure through the expansion of paediatric SSC modules. We promoted the inclusion of UG students in international simulation competitions and speciality recruitment courses centred around simulation-based learning, traditionally targeted at junior doctors. To endorse research and academic opportunities, we recruited for UG summerships and mentored students to present at international conferences and publish in peer reviewed journals. Other initiatives included facilitating collaboration between QUB Child Health Society and the UK Aspiring Paediatricians Society, and engaging with 'Soft Landings', a national organisation to support international medical graduates. Conclusion We adopted a multifaceted approach of timely interventions throughout UG education. While some strategies are distinct to paediatrics, much of the context and potential remedies can be easily translated to other specialities facing similar workforce challenges. For medical educators and those interested in enhancing speciality recruitment, we strongly endorse a strategic approach centred on early UG engagement. References The state of medical education and practice in the UK: The Workforce report 2023. General Medical Council. Internet. 2023 cited Oct 21 2023. Available from: https://www.gmc-uk.org/about/what-we-do-and-why/data-and-research/the-state-of-medical-education-and-practice-in-the-uk Fromme HB, Fagan H. Taking a cue from big business: strategies for optimizing pediatric recruitment. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2011;159(2). doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.04.049. Shereck E, Shenoy S, Pulsipher M, Burns L, Bracey A, Chell J, et al. Exposure of early pediatric trainees to blood and marrow transplantation leads to higher recruitment to the field. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. 2013;19(9):1399–402. doi:10.1016/j.bbmt.2013.06.021. Health and Social Care Workforce Strategy 2026 Internet. 2022 cited Oct 21 2023. Available from: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-and-social-care-workforce-strategy-2026 Mallett P, Thompson A, Bourke T. Addressing recruitment and retention in paediatrics: A pipeline to a brighter future. Archives of disease in childhood – Education amp; practice edition. 2021; doi:10.1136/archdischild-2020-319696