Exploring Professional Identity Formation In Junior Doctors And Registrars: A Focus On Anatomical Pathology.
Anatomical pathology is a critical specialty in the tissue diagnosis of diseases, such as cancers. A current and anticipated anatomical pathology workforce shortage is predicted to delay diagnoses and the commencement of urgent treatment required for patients. A cause of this workforce shortage has been a deficiency in professional identity development, from a lack of exposure, to anatomical pathology during the medical student and junior doctor years. This research aims to explore, in depth, current perceptions and professional identity development in junior doctors interested in pursuing anatomical pathology training, and anatomical pathology registrars. It is hoped these findings will help target areas of improvement to aid recruitment and training of future anatomical pathologists.