Understanding Chinese Early-Career Neurosurgeons' Professional Identity Construction as Clinician-Researchers

Medical professionals with both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees are increasingly expected to balance roles as clinicians and researchers, a trend particularly prevalent in China. However, little is known about how early-career Chinese neurosurgeons navigate these dual responsibilities.

This qualitative study applied the dialogical self theory to explore the professional identity of early-career neurosurgeons at a tier 1 hospital in northern China. Semistructured interviews with 6 participants were analyzed thematically to examine how they perceive their roles as clinicians, researchers, and second-language writers of scientific articles.

The neurosurgeons interviewed viewed their professional identities as multidimensional, shaped by their dual roles and language barriers. Though clinical and research roles are distinct, participants experienced challenges in balancing them, with time pressures and competing demands. Also, the participants felt disadvantaged as non-native English speakers in academic publishing.

This study sheds light on the complexities of professional identity construction among early-career Chinese neurosurgeons. Implications for international neurosurgeons include the need for tailored mentoring and institutional support. Limitations include the small sample size and regional focus. Future research could explore cross-cultural comparisons to further understand clinician-researcher identities.