Doctors who hold ‘portfolio careers’ said this leads to higher job satisfaction and improved mental heath, according to a study.
The survey of 200 doctors, 84 of them GPs, found that more than half (52%) now have portfolio careers, meaning they hold hold one or more roles outside of a clinical medical contract, such as teaching, consultancy or research.
While doctors cited challenges with holding multiple roles, including increased workload (55%) and the complexity of managing multiple positions (36%), they also reported significant benefits.
Half (51%) of those who currently hold multiple roles said they support diverse skills development, with a similar proportion (49%) of those who don’t have portfolio careers agreeing they can support professional progression and expertise.
The survey carried out by Wesleyan also showed that more than two in five said holding multiple jobs brought them greater personal fulfilment (43%) or job satisfaction (42%). In addition, a quarter (23%) of respondents said it improved their mental health. More than three in five (62%) cited the financial benefits.
Alec Collie, head of medical at Wesleyan, said having portfolio careers can be ‘a win-win for both clinicians and patients’.
‘Holding multiple medical roles directly supports medics’ skills development and provide a raft of other advantages, from better mental health to greater job satisfaction. Ultimately, this can help create a stronger workforce and retain talent within the NHS.’
He added that it will be important for the NHS ‘to help facilitate successful portfolio careers for those who want them’ by ensuring there is support for doctors in areas like managing and also minimising the associated admin they have to take on.
