Insufficient Job Control among Gastroenterology Trainees: Time to Focus on the Science

To the Editor:

Nam et al. [1] undertook a remarkable study highlighting job stress in the field of gastroenterology. Among their findings, they noted that fellows demonstrated insufficient job control in relation to more senior professorial colleagues [1].

The field of gastroenterology has been slow to catch up with advances in medical education. Hence, this finding is not a surprise. When we look into the science of learning and, more specifically, masterful learning, various facets are essential. Schumacher et al. [2] described several including team relatedness, autonomy, and personalized learning. Even today, trainees demonstrate a lack of team relatedness and autonomy. If we as educators are true to ourselves, can we honestly admit to imparting these elements to junior members? Often, there is still a “them vs. us” culture, which hinders progression in the field [3]. Furthermore, we all are aware that individuals during training achieve competency at different rates. We should recognize, therefore, the importance of personalized learning where content is tailored appropriately to needs of the individual in question and more specifically on areas they are less aware of. An additional facet of masterful learning is that of feedback—and, more importantly, the nature of feedback, delivered in a non-judgmental manner in a safe learning environment with the additional opportunity to give feedback to seniors.

If we continue to fall behind on the science of learning, we will continue to read studies that highlight job issues.