Pressing Issues Among Trainees and Early Career Physicians in Headache Medicine: Survey Results From the American Headache Society New Investigator and Trainee Section and International Headache Academy

Objective We surveyed the American Headache Society (AHS) New Investigators and Trainees Section (NITS), and International Headache Academy (IHA) attendees to better understand what they perceive as the most pressing issues for themselves as new investigators and trainees in the field of headache medicine. Background The NITS and IHA are intended as platforms for mentorship, leadership training, and professional development in the field of headache medicine. Identifying and addressing pressing issues among new investigators and trainees based on their perceived needs is critical to encouraging their development and success as headache medicine clinicians and researchers. Methods Paper surveys were administered at the NITS meeting at the November 2018 Scottsdale Headache Symposium and the January 2019 IHA. Additionally an online version was sent to the NIT listserv in November of 2018. The survey queried demographic information (gender, race, age, profession, training status, and years in practice) and asked participants to identify their top 3 most pressing issues/questions among a list of options. Results Fifty-three responses were submitted (53/255; total response rate 20.7%). Among the surveys, 18 in-person responses were from the NITS meeting (18/20; response rate 90.0%), 23 in-person responses were from the IHA (23/45; response rate 51.1%), and 12 responses were from the online survey (12/190; response rate 6.3%). No duplicate responses were submitted based on comparison of demographics. One respondent identified as a researcher exclusively and was excluded from further analyses; the rest identified as clinicians at various levels of medical training. Fifteen respondents were not members of the NITS (28.8%); the most common reason for nonmembership was lack of awareness of the section (92.8%). Overall the most pressing issues/questions included (% of respondents who ranked issue/question among top 3): Career planning (51.9%), Logistics of running a headache clinic (40.4%), and Opportunities for involvement (38.5%). Most pressing issues/questions differed depending on level of training. Working with industry was the most pressing issue/question identified by early career physicians (55.0%). Career planning was the most pressing issue/question among fellows (72.2%) and residents (64.3%). Conclusion Many of the most pressing issues identified by respondents are topics that are not formally addressed in medical and research training.