Actual Duration of Postgraduate Training of Medical Residents in Germany: Results of the KarMed Study Ten Years After Physician Licensure

Abstract

Professional qualification as a doctor of medicine includes completion of medical studies and residency. Data on the real duration of residency are currently not assessed systematically in Germany. Our study aimed to analyze data on the real length of residency under consideration of area of expertise (specialization), part-time working, grades after school and medical studies, gender, and parenthood of the physicians in residency. The KarMed Study's database consists of annual postal surveys throughout the entire residency of medical students, beginning with their "Practical Year" in 2008/2009 until 2019. The study analyzed data six and ten years within this residency period. The majority of the residents was capable of finishing their residency within the minimal time. One significant effect on actual duration of residency was the subject choice. One-third of the female residents had not yet finished their residency after ten years. Partenhood had a significant effect on female residents, but not on male residents. A regression analysis showed (R²corr=0.03, p<0.001) that the duration of residency was associated with the grade received after studying (β=0.30). Male residents were more satisfied with the overall residency then female residents. Structural improvement in postgraduate training needs to be adjusted in terms of parental status. Prospective studies should take the selection process of universities into account and examine its association with the time required to complete residency.