# ‘Fostering the Future’: Exploring Barriers and Enablers to Doctors Pursuing a Clinician Educator Pathway in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

## TL;DR

This paper explores what stops and supports doctors in becoming educators in obstetrics and gynaecology, aiming to improve training and workforce sustainability.

## Contribution

The paper contributes a literature-based review of barriers and enablers to clinician educator pathways in obstetrics and gynaecology.

## Key findings

- Institutional support and culture are critical for clinician educators.
- Balancing clinical work with education is a major challenge.
- Personal motivation and career advancement opportunities influence educator pathways.

## Abstract

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) is committed to developing a sustainable, high‐quality clinical education workforce. To train exceptional doctors, exceptional educators are needed. In order to better understand the barriers and enablers to careers as a clinician‐educator in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, further research related to the educator experience is required. We argue that renewed efforts to address these barriers and enablers are needed to support Obstetricians and Gynaecologists with expertise and passion for teaching, as they contribute significantly to the training and sustainability of the current and future medical workforce. Those supports should target the following areas identified from this literature review: institutional support and culture, personal motivation and interest, balance of clinical service and delivery of education and career impact and advancement. Amid rising numbers of medical students, post‐pandemic challenges in the hospital and workforce pressures for specialists and general practitioners in Australia, it is essential to prioritise clinical education strategic planning and research. This review contributes to the literature by supporting existing efforts to develop structured educator pathways such as the new RANZCOG Academy of Clinician Educators.