Medical and scientific trainees are not adequately prepared to handle the interpersonal demands of their future jobs, according to this recent poll
Over 1400 participants in a recent poll conducted by the Science Advisory Board expressed their concern that recent medical and scientific trainees are not adequately prepared to handle the interpersonal demands of their future jobs.
44% of those surveyed believe that young physicians and researchers lack the necessary skills to manage conflicts they might encounter in the workplace. Furthermore, 34% of those polled feel that these individuals are not fully prepared to work in teams, and 22% think that they are inexperienced in negotiation techniques.
While on the surface, this lack of sophistication in these social graces may seem superficial and transient, the long-term consequences can actually be quite severe, says the Science Advisory Board. Repercussions such as unrealised potential, a disruptive work environment, mistakes, and inattention to critical details can be extremely detrimental to research and clinical settings. "Successful conflict management actually requires proficiency in a number of different communication skills," explains Tamara Zemlo, director of the Science Advisory Board. "These include assertion skills, anger management, stress management and negotiation skills".
The Science Advisory Board recommends that more of an emphasis be placed on developing these abilities during graduate and medical school through seminars, workshops and supplemental literature.
