Objective: To gain insights into the experience and challenges faced by Australasian geriatricians who have recently made the transition from advanced trainee to consultant.
Methods: An interpretative exploratory qualitative study. Geriatricians with five or less years of experience as consultants were recruited by email. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with themes identified through open axial coding.
Results: Respondents (n = 20) experienced a transition period in which they adjusted to the roles of final decision-maker and manager. Respondents felt relatively confident with their clinical skills, but under-prepared for non-clinical roles associated with becoming a consultant. Most respondents described challenges with career planning. Support networks were considered critical.
Conclusions: This is the first study in Australasia exploring the transition from trainee to consultant geriatrician. Training programs should endeavour to create "consultant-like roles" during advanced training and address non-clinical competencies. Participants perceived that there should be more emphasis on career planning and mentorship.
Keywords: geriatricians; leadership; mentors; specialization; training.
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