Between forwarding and mentoring: a qualitative study of recommending medical doctors for international postdoctoral research positions
2011

Recommending Medical Doctors for Postdoctoral Research

Sample size: 16 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dario Sambunjak, Matko Marušić

Primary Institution: University of Split, School of Medicine

Hypothesis

How do senior academics recommend young physicians for international postdoctoral research positions?

Conclusion

Informal recommending can evolve into a mentoring relationship and is crucial for promoting junior scientists' mobility.

Supporting Evidence

  • Recommending can take four forms: forwarding information, passive recommending, active recommending, and mentor recommending.
  • The success of recommending depends on the preparation of recommendees for their stay abroad.
  • The process benefits not only the individuals involved but also the scientific community and society.

Takeaway

Senior academics help young doctors find research jobs abroad, which can lead to better careers and more opportunities.

Methodology

In-depth interviews with 8 senior academics and 8 physicians were conducted and analyzed using the framework approach.

Potential Biases

The process may perpetuate elements of corruption in academic placements.

Limitations

The sample did not include recommendees who have never returned to their home country.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 8 recommenders (senior academics) and 8 recommendees (young physicians), with varying experiences and genders.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6920-11-31

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication