| The qualitative phenomenological study explored the central phenomenon of the majority of physicians completing graduate medical education (GME) residency programs and choosing not to enter intensivist or critical care fellowship programs, which contributes to the existing physician intensivist shortages. The uniqueness of physician intensivist shortages elevated the issue to a heightened concern because of the increasing aging population resulting in severe critical care service demands. The study drew on the experiences and perceptions of 22 board certified nephrologists and one board certified Family Practice physician to explore how and why they chose their fellowship specializations. The results obtained from NVivo 7.0 qualitative research program analysis identified key emerged themes that include (a) interest, (b) demands, (c) consideration, (d) family, and (e) helping. |
