FRI0697 Expectations, motivating factors and barriers to basic research among young rheumatologists in germany– results of a national online survey

Background: In Germany, the number of clinical fellows, who decide for a scientific career in basic research, is decreasing, leading to a growing lack of junior physician scientists (PS) highly needed to advance basic research.1 Structured mentoring and funding programs as well as other incentives might be necessary to attract young physicians and support starting a scientific career in basic science. Objectives: To identify expectations, motivating factors and barriers of final year medical students interested in rheumatology, of fellows and of physicians in rheumatology to start a scientific career in basic research. Methods: An online survey was distributed by email and via facebook and twitter to members of the German Network of Young Rheumatologists (rheumadocs), medical students in their final year participating in a student program of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh), and by direct contact to PS. The questions focused on demographics, scientific background (including experience in basic research), expectations such as scientific self-realization, acquirement of a postdoctoral degree, enhanced career options, as well as motivating factors (e.g. “fun”, financial benefits, travel bursaries, mentoring programs and others) and barriers (e.g. positions in basic science, exemption from clinical duties, lack of experience and/or assistance in fund-raising and scientific methods) with regard to a career in basic research. Results: Of the 91 responders, 75% was aged below 35 years (11% 29 yrs) and 58% were female. 19% were currently working in basic research. 23% were students. 35% were fellows currently in the clinic. 23% were primary attendants. Basic research experience was reported by 49% of all clinicians. Only 10% indicated not to be interested in performing basic research. Among the students, 48% were currently performing a laboratory-based medical thesis. Of interest, no substantial differences in expectations or barriers were found between students, PS and clinicians. As to motivational factors, PS named time spent in research accounted for rheumatology training (74%), support by excellence programs (71%) and enhanced career options with a postdoctoral degree (65%) more often than clinicians and students (57%, 50% and 42% respectively). Other common motivational factors were “fun” (76%) and travel bursaries for international meetings (62%). Financial benefits in terms of standard or even senior physician salaries were no major motivators (41% and 24%, respectively). Regarding expectations, 71% indicated scientific self-realization, 58% named enhanced career options. 78% indicated lacking exemption from clinical duties and lack of experience in fund-raising and scientific methods (58% and 48%) as a barrier for basic research. Conclusions: This study shows a high interest among young rheumatologists and students to work in basic research, and indicates a need for programs, which facilitate the start of a career as physician scientist by providing a general framework with no drawbacks regarding rheumatology specialty training, (at least partial) exemption from clinical duties and support in development of research projects. Reference 1. Scholmerich J. Where Have All the Physician Scientists Gone. German Research2010;32(2–3). Disclosure of Interest: None declared