Impact of short-term locum doctor employments on the transition from medical student to residency

Introduction: The transition from medical student to resident is often stressful and challenging. Medical graduates' sense of preparedness for residency increases as they spend more time in the clinic. In Denmark, temporary short-term locum doctor employment (LDE) may be an opportunity to increase preparedness for future residency and ease the expected and experienced stress of the transition. This study aimed to explore how medical students and first-year residents experience holding an LDE and the expected or experienced impact on the transition from medical student to residency.

Methods: A qualitative design was chosen. Last-year medical students and first-year residents with LDE experience were included. A total of 23 participants were recruited and interviewed. A semi-structured interview guide was used. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The analysis showed four main themes: 1) An opportunity to postpone and prepare for residency, 2) Negotiating uncertainty and responsibility, 3) Enhancing professional and personal competencies and 4) Impact on transition.

Conclusions: An LDE can offer medical students and first-year residents the opportunity to gain more clinical experience, postpone residency and enhance professional and personal competencies. Although uncertainty and insufficiency were common at the beginning of the LDE, adequate support and training may counterbalance these feelings. LDEs can contribute positively to the transition from medical student to residency.

Funding: Central Region Denmark TRIAL REGISTRATION. Not relevant.