Mid-Career Faculty Development Needs Assessment in Academic Radiation Oncology: A Prospective Qualitative Study

Abstract

Mid-career faculty often report lower career satisfaction compared to those in their early or late career. Attrition, particularly of female faculty, is a major concern for academic medicine. Curricula for early-career faculty provide structure for professional development, but similar programming is less robust for mid- and late-career faculty. This qualitative prospective study aimed to explore and identify career needs and perceived obstacles to improve the experience and success of mid-career radiation oncology faculty.Associate Professors at a single academic medical center and affiliated regional centers were invited to participate in semi-structured small group interviews between February and April 2019. Performed by an expert in medical anthropology, interviews covered the following themes: 1) Present to future career goals, 2) Visions guiding career work and aims, 3) Obstacles in achieving career goals, 4) Resources to assist achieving career goals, 5) Balancing work/life priorities, and 6) Immediate needs for current work. All interviews were audio-recorded, de-identified, and transcribed, then a conventional content analysis approach was employed by a qualitative research expert.Eight small group interviews were conducted, with 5 female and 12 male Associate Professors in total. The cohort included 10 physicians and 7 medical physicists, spanning clinical and research focused careers, and satellite and main site locations. The key themes elicited several sub-themes as responses, presented below.This study suggests an unmet need for formal mentorship, sponsorship for leadership positions, and institutional resources targeting mid-level faculty in academic radiation oncology. Future efforts will address design and implementation of a strategic mid-career development program.