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Published on: September 11, 2021
Becoming outstanding educators: What do they say contributed to success?
Larissa R Thomas1, Justin Roesch2, Lawrence Haber3
1Division of Hospital Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave, 5H, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA. larissa.thomas@ucsf.edu.
Successful medical educators develop through preparation and early successes, accelerated by mentors, networks, and faculty development. A supportive environment and work-life balance are key for career progression.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Faculty Development
- Career Advancement
Background:
- Medical educators often face unclear career progression pathways.
- Guidance is needed for faculty pursuing careers in medical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors contributing to the career development of outstanding medical educators.
- To provide insights for faculty career paths in medical education.
Main Methods:
- Thematic analysis of interviews with 39 physician faculty.
- Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) guided the interview process.
- Qualitative methods including iterative analysis and team discussion were employed.
Main Results:
- Eight key themes identified: preparation, early successes, mentors, networks, faculty development, balance, work environment, and multiple identities.
- Preparation and early successes acted as 'launch points'.
- Mentors, networks, and faculty development programs accelerated careers; a supportive environment was an enabler.
Conclusions:
- Common themes describe successful medical educator career trajectories, aligning with SCCT.
- These findings offer a framework for junior faculty exploring medical education careers.
- Career development pathways are often cyclical and reinforce professional identities.
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