ArticleBMC medical education2026
"Probably one of medicine's best kept secrets": preliminary qualitative insights into motivations and concerns regarding addiction medicine specialisation in Australasia.
Article in BMC medical education, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundSubstance dependence is a significant health problem and major cause of preventable disease worldwide. Addiction Medicine (AM) specialists play an important role across numerous countries in the management and treatment of individuals with problematic substance use. However, there is currently a shortage of Fellows of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM), with many reaching retirement age. This study aimed to inform AM attraction initiatives by identifying motivations, concerns, and suggestions for promoting the specialisation from the perspectives of current Fellows and Trainees.
methodsTwenty-two semi-structured interviews were undertaken with AChAM Fellows (n = 12) and Trainees (n = 10) across Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). Participants were asked about their motivations to specialise, concerns around specialising and suggestions for increasing the number of AM specialists. Transcripts were subject to qualitative data analysis and organised around an established four-factor framework for career choice.
resultsAll participants had followed a General Practitioner entry pathway. Seventeen different types of motivating factors were identified across four domains. For most, motivations included relationships with patients, support and encouragement from colleagues and supervisors, and an interest in AM. Concerns for specialisation were largely centred around generalist deskilling and pay reduction during training years. As many participants discovered AM in a serendipitous way, suggestions to grow the workforce are focused on increasing awareness and clinical placements.
conclusionsThis was the first study to consider Australasian General Practitioners' motivations, concerns and attraction suggestions regarding AM specialisation. It identified a wide range of factors motivating General Practitioners across Australasia to specialise in AM, with limited concerns. To grow the workforce, there is a need for targeted promotional strategies that increase AM awareness while also addressing the motivations and concerns identified in this study.
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