The Tween Years: Thriving as a Mid-Career Academic Hospice and Palliative Medicine Clinician

Bethany-Rose Daubman1,2, Andrew J Lawton2,3, April Zehm4

  • 1Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

In the young and rapidly evolving field of hospice and palliative medicine (HPM), the transition from early to mid-career can be a precarious time. The high rates of burnout and low rates of work-life balance and satisfaction found in mid-career jeopardize our field's ability to maintain a healthy workforce. In this series, we present three cases that highlight common issues encountered during the early to mid-career transition in academic HPM and present several strategies for navigating challenges. A web of mentors/connections, academic map, and continuing education to enhance teaching skills are several concrete tools explored. To sustain a robust HPM workforce, such practical and structured supports during the particularly challenging mid-career transition are crucial.

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