Table 6 Recommendations for superiors

1.

Human resource development

1.

Identify colleagues with the qualities for an academic career early on, then actively motivate and support them in such a career.

2.

From the outset hold regular career talks in which presentations and career opportunities are discussed and subgoals are recorded in writing. Hold follow-up discussions to check whether the career is progressing as planned.

3.

Provide young academics with structured coaching on how projects are planned and implemented and the best ways to publish research results. This will help them make faster career progress.

4.

Establish contact with other research groups and send junior staff to conferences so that they can make contacts for themselves.

5.

Show more appreciation of the hard work and dedication of young academics.

6.

At head of department level show a willingness to make protected research time available to clinical trainees so that they have enough time to pursue their studies successfully. Encourage junior academics by providing good basic conditions such as time, infrastructure and research funds.

2.

Role model

7.

Senior academics should be role models, radiating enthusiasm for their work and their research. As a role model show how different fields such as clinical activity, research and private life can be managed simultaneously with good organization and good resources. This will give young doctors a hopeful and motivating perspective on their career. Senior staff should provide motivated junior academics with a vision.