Justin D Triemstra1, Maya S Iyer2, Larry Hurtubise3, Rachel Stork Poeppelman4, Teri Lee Turner5, Charlene Dewey6, Reena Karani7, H Barrett Fromme8. 1. J.D. Triemstra is assistant professor of pediatrics and human development, and associate program director, Pediatric Residency Program, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 2. M.S. Iyer is assistant professor of clinical pediatrics and director, pediatric emergency medicine faculty development, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio. 3. L. Hurtubise is director, Office of Educational Innovation and Scholarship, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 4. R.S. Poeppelman is a pediatric critical care fellow, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio. 5. T.L. Turner is professor of pediatrics, and vice chair of education, Section of Academic General Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. 6. C. Dewey is professor of medicine and medical education and administration; assistant dean of educator development; and director, Center for Professional Health, Vanderbilt University Medical School/Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee. 7. R. Karani is professor of medicine and medical education; senior associate dean of medical education and curricular affairs; and director, Institute for Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York. 8. H.B. Fromme is professor of pediatrics and associate dean for faculty development in medical education, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Professional identity formation is the process of internalizing the ideals, values, and beliefs of a profession. In recent years, research on clinician-educator (CE) identity formation has expanded, yet gaps exist in understanding initial influences on an educator identity, sustainment throughout a career, and development of successful pathways for early CEs. This study explored the initial influences on and characteristics of the professional identity formation of CEs in an age-diverse, multispecialty population in the United States. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study of a purposive sample of medical educators at 6 institutions across the United States between 2018 and 2019. Focus groups were conducted to obtain participants' perspectives on their career choice and subsequent formation of their professional identity as CEs. The authors used a thematic analysis of focus group data to identify themes and domains through an iterative process. RESULTS: Twelve focus groups were conducted with a total of 93 participants. Responses were categorized into 5 domains: community supportive of medical education, culture of institution and training, personal characteristics, facilitators, and professionalization of medical education. Themes highlighted the importance of role models and mentors, an affinity and aptitude for teaching and education, specific facilitators for entry into a career in medical education, the evolution from a layperson, importance of formalized training programs, and a supportive academic community. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians experienced a variety of factors that influenced their initial career choice in medical education and subsequent professional identity formation as a CE. This study confirms and expands the current understanding of this process in an age-diverse, multispecialty population of CEs. Educators and administrators designing career development programs across the continuum of medical education should consider these aspects as they mentor and support their learners and faculty.
PURPOSE: Professional identity formation is the process of internalizing the ideals, values, and beliefs of a profession. In recent years, research on clinician-educator (CE) identity formation has expanded, yet gaps exist in understanding initial influences on an educator identity, sustainment throughout a career, and development of successful pathways for early CEs. This study explored the initial influences on and characteristics of the professional identity formation of CEs in an age-diverse, multispecialty population in the United States. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study of a purposive sample of medical educators at 6 institutions across the United States between 2018 and 2019. Focus groups were conducted to obtain participants' perspectives on their career choice and subsequent formation of their professional identity as CEs. The authors used a thematic analysis of focus group data to identify themes and domains through an iterative process. RESULTS: Twelve focus groups were conducted with a total of 93 participants. Responses were categorized into 5 domains: community supportive of medical education, culture of institution and training, personal characteristics, facilitators, and professionalization of medical education. Themes highlighted the importance of role models and mentors, an affinity and aptitude for teaching and education, specific facilitators for entry into a career in medical education, the evolution from a layperson, importance of formalized training programs, and a supportive academic community. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians experienced a variety of factors that influenced their initial career choice in medical education and subsequent professional identity formation as a CE. This study confirms and expands the current understanding of this process in an age-diverse, multispecialty population of CEs. Educators and administrators designing career development programs across the continuum of medical education should consider these aspects as they mentor and support their learners and faculty.