Supervising PhD Candidates in Health and Medical Sciences: A Narrative Review of Strategies for Success

Patrick Juliebø-Jones,1– 3 Christian Beisland1– 3 1Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; 2Department of Urology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; 3The Clinical Research in Aging and NEphro-urology (CRANE) group, Bergen, NorwayCorrespondence: Patrick Juliebø-Jones, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Email [email protected]: A PhD degree involves both structured and independent learning. It will allow the student to gain expertise and research skills. The supervisor is critical to this educational journey and can ultimately serve as a deciding factor as to whether the process is successful. There are a lack of studies synthesising evidence on what contributes to success. The aim of this narrative review was to identify and summarise the key elements contribute to successful doctoral supervision.Methods: A comprehensive but non-systematic search was undertaken to identify relevant studies across all disciplines, with a focus on medical and health sciences. Search terms included (but were not limited to) `PhD´, ´success´ and ´supervision´. Findings have been presented in a narrative format in three main sections: student-specific factors, supervisor-specific factors and shared themes.Results: Key student attributes that influenced successful supervision included intrinsic motivation, commitment to the research topic, self-management, and adaptation to cultural and personal change. Supervisory influences encompassed supervision style, level of training, institutional support, and research culture. Shared elements of the relationship involved the establishment of mutual expectations, open and regular communication, appropriate contact frequency, professional conduct, and respect.Conclusion: PhD supervision is a complex and evolving partnership requiring mutual engagement and reflection. Early clarification of roles and expectations, coupled with ongoing dialogue and professionalism, is essential to creating a positive supervisory environment and promoting doctoral success.Keywords: education, PhD, supervision, doctorate, medical