Feasibility and acceptability of virtual career development workshop for pediatric endocrine trainees: A PedsENDO365 initiative

ABSTRACT

Objectives The identification of goals and development of skills that align with an individual's values provides a professional pathway for success and aids in preventing burnout. This process has been threatened by the COVID 19 pandemic, thus, we created a virtual professional development program for pediatric endocrine fellows training in the United States. Methods PedsENDO 365 is a Pediatric Endocrine Society initiative launched to address year-round learning needs of pediatric endocrine fellows. The workgroup engaged with fellowship program directors across the US as key stakeholders. Lack of resources and expertise, partly due to small program size, were noted as major barriers. Fellow participants completed a pre-workshop inventory to elucidate their personal values, skills and career interests, and to create short and long term learning and career goals. A two-hour session included a presentation about career trajectories, description of individual learning planning process and I-SMART (Important - Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Time-limited) goal setting. Learners participated in small group discussions facilitated by program directors about the assessment and alignment of skills, interests, and values when developing goals. Results 39 fellows (1st to 4th year) participated in the workshop. 24 attendees (83% women, 13% men and 4% non-binary, 1st year=17%, 2nd year=54%, 3rd year=25%, 4th year=4%) completed an evaluation of the program. 96% fellows found the session relevant and would recommend it to other fellows. The three major takeaways were the importance of aligning values and skills with career goals, setting I-SMART goals, and the importance of time management and work-life balance. The fellows enjoyed the flexibility afforded by the remote session for connecting with participants and leaders across the country. Conclusions A virtual professional development for pediatric endocrine trainees is feasible and well received by participants. Professional societies can provide virtual career development programs to allow networking opportunities with individuals outside their institutions.