From Stigma to Validation: A Qualitative Assessment of a Novel National Program to Improve Retention of Physician-Scientists with Caregiving Responsibilities. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020 Dec;29(12):1547-1558
Date
04/15/2020Pubmed ID
32286931Pubmed Central ID
PMC7864110DOI
10.1089/jwh.2019.7999Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85098070085 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 7 CitationsAbstract
Background: Research is needed to improve understanding of work-life integration issues in academic medicine and to guide the implementation of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists (FRCS), a national initiative offering financial support to physician-scientists facing caregiving challenges. Materials and Methods: In 2018, as part of a prospective program evaluation, the authors conducted a qualitative study to examine FRCS program participants' initial impressions, solicit descriptions of their career and caregiving experiences, and inquire how such factors might influence their professional advancement. The authors invited all 33 awardees who had been granted FRCS funding in the first year of the program to participate in the study, of whom 28 agreed to complete an interview. Analysts evaluated de-identified transcripts and explicated the data using a thematic analysis approach. Results: While participants described aspects of a culture that harbor stigma against caregivers and impede satisfactory work-life integration, they also perceived an optimistic cultural shift taking place as a result of programs like the FRCS. Their comments indicated that the FRCS has the potential to influence culture if institutional leadership simultaneously fosters a community that validates individuals both as caregivers and as scientists. Conclusions: Insights garnered from this qualitative study suggest that there is a pressing need for institutional leaders to implement programs that can foster awareness and normalization of caregiving challenges. In addition to providing funding and other tangible resources, interventions should strive to reinforce a broader culture that affirms the presence of work-life integration challenges and openly embraces solutions.
Author List
Jones RD, Miller J, Vitous CA, Krenz C, Brady KT, Brown AJ, Daumit GL, Drake AF, Fraser VJ, Hartmann KE, Hochman JS, Girdler S, Kalet AL, Libby AM, Mangurian C, Regensteiner JG, Yonkers K, Jagsi RAuthor
Adina L. Kalet MD Institute Director, Professor in the Kern Institute for Transforming Medical Education department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Biomedical ResearchCaregivers
Faculty, Medical
Female
Financing, Organized
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Physicians
Pregnancy
Program Evaluation
Qualitative Research
Research Personnel
Research Support as Topic
Social Stigma
Social Support
United States
