Understanding the careers of physician educators in family medicine. Acad Med 2001 Mar;76(3):259-65
Date
03/10/2001Pubmed ID
11242579DOI
10.1097/00001888-200103000-00016Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0035098665 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 21 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE: Little is known about what contributes to the career decisions of physician educators in family medicine. This study sought to understand the variables that influence these decisions and to identify key sources of vitality for physician educators in family medicine.
METHOD: A national sample of randomly selected physician educators in family medicine responded to a postcard survey regarding their contribution(s) to education and career satisfaction. A series of exclusion criteria were applied to 399 useable responses, yielding 24 physician educators who participated in a semi-structured telephone interview focusing on their careers. Using qualitative research methods, themes were identified and categorized from the transcribed interviews and investigators' field notes.
RESULTS: The career decisions and actions of physician educators in family medicine emanated from an underlying set of values and beliefs associated with "making the world better." Participants sought challenging, diverse, and stimulating positions from which they could have an impact in ways that were consistent with their values. Three major sources of vitality (learners, colleagues, and patients) complemented the desire for challenging positions. Physician educators in family medicine, however, continually struggled to balance their personal and professional lives.
CONCLUSION: The study results highlight the key variables that draw faculty into education and sustain their vitality, and the professional and personal challenges that can derail or support their careers. This information can be used to recruit, develop, and retain successful and productive physician educators in family medicine.
Author List
Simpson DE, Rediske VA, Beecher A, Bower D, Meurer L, Lawrence S, Wolkomir MAuthor
Linda N. Meurer MD, MPH Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adaptation, PsychologicalAdult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Career Choice
Career Mobility
Decision Making
Faculty, Medical
Family Practice
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Job Satisfaction
Male
Models, Psychological
Personnel Selection
Societies, Medical
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
