Doctoral Supervision Research Articles

Caring to write, writing to care: a feminist care approach to doctoral supervision in the intimate encounters of co-writing

ABSTRACT My autoethnography examines intimate encounters of co-writing with four former doctoral students and how I juggled the ethical dilemma of performative ways of being in the neoliberal university juxtaposed with care for students and myself as women scholars. I do this from a feminist care perspective, barely considered in doctoral supervision. I critique the neoliberal university, concepts of care and doctoral supervision, coalescing on intimate encounters in co-writing. I draw on email conversations, supervisory notes and personal reflections to explore care in our co-writing relationships. I propose a pragmatic care agenda, identifying four practical CARE components, as a contribution to help us ‘do’ feminist care within doctoral supervisory co-writing, not to reinforce a normative version of individual responsibility for care and healing but to acknowledge and find ways of managing the competing and competitive demands of the neoliberal university and tensions between students and supervisors who experience this differently.

Documentary Analysis of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) and Its Effect on Depressive Disorders

Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John’s Wort, pericon, or yellow grass, is known for its antidepressant potential. It could represent a natural alternative to current pharmacological antidepressant treatments, which have a high incidence of side effects in patients and therefore lead to early dropouts. Through a bibliographic revision of clinical trials and information collected from scientific articles during the first period of 2020, we aimed to evaluate whether its administration could be beneficial in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression, with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Among the main components, hypericin and hyperforin have been related to the observed antidepressant activity; therefore, their possible mechanism of action was reviewed and highlighted. Furthermore, patients receiving Hypericum extracts were less likely to withdraw from studies because of adverse effects compared to those receiving older standard antidepressants. This review aims to provide suggestions for an alternative treatment of mild-to-moderate depression disorder under the supervision of a medical doctor, since, although it appears to be a potentially efficient treatment with a low presence of adverse effects in comparison to synthetic antidepressants, it might also interact with other medications and lead to therapeutic failures if misused for self-medication.

Investigation of the Effects of 12 Week Aerobic and Fitness Workouts on Individuals Diagnosed with Scoliosis: A Case Study

The study was conducted to examine the effects of aerobic and fitness exercises on scoliosis. A 19-year-old male patient, 1.65 cm tall and weighing 57 kg, with idiopathic S scoliosis was included in the study. The ethics committee report dated 01.07.2021-15974 was received from Muş Alparslan University Ethics Committee. Aerobic and fitness exercises were performed 4 days a week, one day apart, and warm-up exercises were applied before and after. Aerobic and fitness movements such as bench row, reverse butterfly, face pull and low row were included in the exercise program. The exercises were carried out by academics who are experts in their field, under the supervision of an orthopedic doctor. X-rays were used to evaluate the effect of the exercise program on scoliosis. X-rays were taken before and immediately after the exercise program. The orthopedic doctor reported that the scoliosis degree of the patient included in the study was 22.5 degrees before the exercise program, but after the 12-week exercise program, the degree decreased to 21.6 degrees and an improvement of 0.9 degrees was achieved. It was concluded that aerobic and fitness exercises applied specifically to the patient gave positive results in patients diagnosed with scoliosis.

Iatrogenic Female Genitourinary Fistula in Uganda: Etiology, Twelve-Year Trends, and Risk Factors for Development Following Cesarean Section.

To describe the magnitude and trend of the iatrogenic genitourinary fistula in Uganda, and the risk factors for development following the Cesarean Section (CS). A retrospective review of charts of women with a confirmed diagnosis of genitourinary fistula at four regional fistula repair sites in Uganda between 2010 and 2021 was conducted. A fistula was classified as iatrogenic if it was; ureteric, vesico-cervical, vesico-uterine, or vaginal vault fistula that followed an obstetric or gynecological surgery. The annual proportions for the ischemic and iatrogenic fistula over the study period were compared. A sub group analysis of women with genitourinary fistula delivered by CS was done to determine the factors associated with iatrogenic fistula. Multivariable log binomial regression was performed to determine the independent risk factors. There were 521 women who presented with genito-urinary fistula of which, 169 (32.4%) were iatrogenic. Most of the iatrogenic fistulae followed CS (71%). The proportions of iatrogenic fistulae increased from 8/52 (9.6%) in 2010 to 38/88 (43.2%) in 2020. The risk factors for iatrogenic fistula following CS were; Grand-multiparity (OR = 5.8; 95% CI: 2.1-15.4), Repeat CS (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.8-9.3), CS performed by an intern doctor (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.5-15.5) and CS done at a Health Centre IV (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.2-16.7). The magnitude of the iatrogenic genitourinary fistula in Uganda is high and most follow CS. There is an observed rising trend in iatrogenic fistula. The risk factors for iatrogenic fistula following CS are grandmultiparity, repeat CS, CS performed by intern doctors and CS performed at lower health facilities. There is a need for continuous training and supervision of lower cadre doctors involved in CS to reduce on the rising trend of iatrogenic fistula.

Confronting decisions related to the termination or continuation of doctoral supervision: a supervisor perspective

Purpose This paper explores theoretical perspectives on supervisors' pedagogical dilemmas when deciding whether to terminate or continue problematic supervision relationships. This paper aims to unravel the complexities and challenges inherent in such decision-making processes while also discussing potential support mechanisms for supervisors. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a reflective narrative approach, this paper presents a fictional narrative to illustrate the intricacies of doctoral supervision. The narrative is divided into three parts, each followed by an analysis rooted in theoretical perspectives. Findings This article offers guidelines across individual, departmental and organisational levels to address critical moments in doctoral supervision. By incorporating various strategies and perspectives, it helps to understand the dilemmas that supervisors may encounter. A decision-making support guide is also provided to suggest ways of handling these challenging situations. Practical implications Drawing from theoretical perspectives, this paper offers practical solutions. A supervision support guide is developed to help establish support mechanisms at different levels, assisting supervisors in managing critical moments in doctoral supervision. Originality/value Addressing a rarely discussed issue, this paper highlights the complexity of supervisors' decisions regarding the termination of PhD students. It not only sheds light on these difficult choices but also offers practical guidelines for supervisors navigating such scenarios.

Evaluation of unplanned reattendances to the pediatric emergency department – a five-year study

BackgroundUnplanned reattendances (UR) are an important quality indicator in the emergency department (ED). Understanding the risk factors associated with UR can aid clinicians in optimizing the allocation of time and resources, as well as targeted counselling for this specific group of patients. In this study, we aimed to compare patient characteristics between children who attended a pediatric emergency department (ED) with unplanned reattendances (UR) and those without UR. We also aimed to study the association between healthcare delivery factors such as timing of the attendance, patient load, changeover months for rotating junior doctors, presence of supervision, and rate of UR.Study designWe performed a retrospective, single-center cohort study of patients < 18 years old who visited the ED between January 2018 and March 2023. UR was defined as a revisit within 72 h of the index ED visit. We collected data on demographics, attendance data and clinical characteristics. Logistic regression was performed for factors independently associated with UR, after adjusting for age, patient acuity, timing of attendance, presence of senior doctor supervision, rotation months for junior doctors, and diagnostic category.ResultsOut of the 544,699 eligible children, 24,733 (4.5%) reattended the ED within 72 h, of which 10,915 (44.1%) of them were hospitalized on their reattendance visit. The independent factors associated with UR were young age (age < 3 years old: aOR 1.585 95%CI 1.481–1.698, p < 0.001), high acuity P2+ (aOR 1.398 95%CI 1.354–1.444, p < 0.001), attendance in the evening (aOR 1.086 95%CI 1.055–1.117, p < 0.001) and night (aOR 1.365 95%CI 1.314–1.417, p < 0.001), gastrointestinal diagnosis (aOR 1.528, CI 1.469–1.588; p < 0.001) and respiratory diagnosis (aOR 1.155, CI 1.121–1.189, p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe identified independent risk factors for UR that could guide resource allocation. Future studies should investigate if targeted interventions may reduce UR in these at-risk populations.

Supervisors’ power sources and doctoral students’ working conditions: a qualitative study of doctoral supervision in a developing country

ABSTRACT Higher education institutions around the world seek to expand their capacity to compete with one another in attracting more doctoral students and recruiting talented researchers by enhancing the quality and performance of their doctoral programs. In this study, we adopt a service perspective lens and explore the relationship between doctoral supervision and students’ working conditions by investigating the influence of supervisors’ power sources. Interview data was obtained from 22 doctoral students and 16 supervisors studying and working, respectively, at public universities in Iran. The findings suggest that the use of mediated power by supervisors is associated with poor-quality doctoral supervision, which negatively impacts the mental well-being and perceptions of decent work of doctoral students. Building on the literature and evidence from the interviews, we elaborate our arguments and offer several practical implications for higher education institutions.

Ayurveda Management of Garbhini Vibandha w.s.r. to Constipation in Pregnancy- A Conceptual Study

Constipation is among minor ailment during pregnancy. There are anatomical, physiological and hormonal adaptations during pregnancy phase, due to these changes every pregnant woman faces some difficulties like heartburn, nausea, vomiting, pedal oedema, constipation in all three trimesters. Garbhini Vibandha or constipation during pregnancy, characterized by difficulty in bowel movements. Some gynaecological diseases, stress, hormonal imbalance leads to irregular bowel habits in women. Most of the pregnant women has this complains. Acharya Kashyapa mentioned that the diseases which are seen in any other individual will see in pregnant females also as Dosha, Dushya of the body are same. According to Ayurvedic principles, and this condition primarily results from an imbalance in Vata dosha, mainly Apana Vata, which governs the elimination process. The condition may be exacerbated by the natural physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy, dietary factors, reduced physical activity, and psychological stress. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach in managing Garbhini Vibandha, focusing on dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and the use of specific herbs to balance the Dosha. Herbal remedies such as Triphala kwatha, Haritaki, Gur, Nagara, are commonly used to alleviate constipation. In this article, we want to focus on mode of action of these drugs on Garbhini and the main precautionary point is that these medications should be taken under supervision of doctor. Over dose intake or wrongly intake can cause other health problems.

Sustainable, affordable, and transferable approaches to experienced doctoral supervisor development

ABSTRACT Doctoral supervision is complex and takes place against a background of contextual, political, economic, and cultural affordances/constraints; with multiple purposes; and in a global higher education system. The result can be significant tensions for supervisors and, often, poor student satisfaction and progression. Globally, systematic development of doctoral supervision capacity is unusual and/or prohibitively expensive at scale. In response, this paper reports an educational design research initiative to develop a series of collaborative online workshops for experienced doctoral supervisors, supporting deliberate ‘reflective, personal, scholarly and systematic reflection’ across ten areas of doctoral supervision. Participants are then well-equipped to craft a successful application for the prestigious United Kingdom Council for Graduate Education supervisor recognition. Our evidence suggests short-term benefit is in two phases: directly via collaborative workshop engagement with the supervision literature in relation to participants’ shared experiences of supervision, and then via application of that to practice, captured in semi-structured scholarly reflective accounts on development of practice in submission for accreditation. Embedded medium-term benefits are now emerging. Multiple iterations suggest the approach is sustainable, transferable, affordable, and richly beneficial to participants, doctoral students, and wider doctoral communities. The contribution is to development of academics’ teaching and research, and it is both theoretical and practical.

A trio-autoethnographic analysis of the experiences and wellbeing of part-time doctoral students with full-time academic roles

ABSTRACT This study highlights the needs and potentialities of an often-overlooked group: Part-Time Doctoral Students who are Full-Time Academics at their institutions (PTSFTAs). Such students are rarely considered in the research literature, yet they face a unique set of tensions as their roles and identities evolve. This study contributes fresh understanding of PTSFTAs’ experiences and wellbeing through a thematic analysis of a series of five open conversations reflecting on the supervisory process. Three PTSFTAs who studied and work at the same institution engaged in a series of trio-autoethnographic dialogues. These dialogues were structured around five doctoral supervision concepts. Tensions are identified that have the potential to affect PTSFTA wellbeing and identity. The study concludes that a student-centred doctoral supervision process can enable PTSFAs to develop multifaceted personal and professional identities and rich personal epistemologies.

Love and pedagogy in doctoral supervision: a duoethnography navigating complex positionings within decolonising contexts

ABSTRACT This article contributes to understandings of how decolonising, hypercomplex contexts can entail challenges and opportunities for supervisors and supervisees, including personal and professional growth, socio-cultural dis-/connections, economic or health-related concerns. Increased complexities of supervisory positionings and relationships are influenced by changing institutional requirements, pluralistic understandings of knowledge, and workloads, recently compounded by the exponential impacts of a global pandemic. We offer insights from engagement in a critical, collaborative dialogue and elaborate on our process, contributing a structured example within the methodology of duoethnography, an approach that foregrounds reflections as resources in critical inquiry. We structured our systematic analysis and reflections about the supervision process by explicitly locating and sharing subjective experiences from each of our positionings within intersecting individual, institutional and structural contexts. Collaborative and ethnographic methodologies are used increasingly in educational research, and we contend that this approach can offer valuable insights for ongoing personal and professional development as educators, learners and researchers. We consider affective dimensions of supervision, recalling Freire’s ‘pedagogy of love’ and argue that collaborative analysis engendering vulnerability offers opportunities to empower and inform the increasingly complex lives and work of supervisors and supervisees.

Refining the narrative: An autoethnographic insight into academic identity construction and development in a Chinese doctoral student's journey in the United States

What seems to be overlooked in current higher education research is the perspective of individual doctoral students in applied linguistics and how they comprehend the academic training culture within U.S. neoliberal universities. Through an autoethnographic (AE) approach, this study investigated how I as a Chinese doctoral student experienced different stages of identity negotiation in my doctoral program. The findings, which integrated theories of academic identity, the third space, and neoliberalism, were primarily derived from my self-reflection data throughout the pandemic. The arguments center around the coexistence of multiple identities and an asynchronous process of identity construction, which were influenced and shaped by study-work balance, laissez-faire supervision, the digital third space, and the pressures from neoliberal norms. The study brings insights into theoretical models from an AE perspective and recommends that higher education stakeholders adopt a flexible approach to doctoral supervision and academic publishing. Autoethnography offered a first-person perspective for in-depth meaning-making, facilitating a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of one’s academic journey of becoming.

Prospective study of epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone: Clinical features, response to treatment, and likelihood of medication withdrawal.

This prospective study aimed to delineate the demographics, natural progression, and treatment response of patients newly diagnosed with epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (EGTCA). Furthermore, our objective includes assessing the seizure recurrence rate post antiseizure medication (ASM) discontinuation within this cohort, alongside exploring predictive factors for seizure relapse. The study cohort, derived from an ongoing, prospective, multicenter investigation on children and adults with new-onset unprovoked seizures, included consecutive patients enrolled between March 2010 and March 2020, and meeting mandatory ILAE criteria for EGTCA diagnosis. Participants underwent a 3-h sleep-deprived video-EEG recording along with an epilepsy protocol brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with repeat EEG at each follow-up. Cumulative time-dependent probabilities of seizure recurrence were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Logistic regression identified variables associated with seizure recurrence following ASM taper. Eighty-nine patients with a median age of 16 years were included, constituting 31% of those diagnosed with an idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Regarding the circadian distribution of seizures, 59.6% of patients exclusively experienced diurnal seizures, 12.4% exclusively nocturnal, and 28.1% experienced both diurnal and nocturnal seizures. Generalized spike-wave discharges (GSWD) were present in the initial EEG of 88% of patients. A GTC recurred in 14% of patients treated with ASM compared with 73% of untreated patients (p < 0.00001). ASM discontinuation was attempted in 50 patients after a median treatment duration of 3 years, with 44% experiencing a recurrence. Patient-initiated taper and a mixed circadian seizure pattern independently predicted a higher likelihood of recurrence post-ASM discontinuation. Our findings underscore the importance of prompt treatment upon the diagnosis of EGTCA. Notably, lifelong treatment may not be imperative; patients seizure-free for at least 2 years, with the absence of GSWD on EEG, often maintained seizure freedom after ASM withdrawal, especially with physician-initiated tapering. Seizures in individuals diagnosed with "epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone" (EGTCA) typically start during adolescence and often respond well to antiseizure medications. An electroencephalogram, which measure brain waves, will show abnormal discharges in most patients with EGTCA. Lifelong treatment with antiseizure medication is not necessary for everyone with EGTCA; approximately, 40% can successfully stop treatment without facing seizure recurrence. Patients who stop medication on their own have a higher risk of seizures returning compared with those who undergo cessation under a doctor's supervision.

Epistemic injustice and neo-racism: how Zhihu users portray ‘Chinese doctoral supervisors’ working in Western academia

AbstractThe image of Chinese doctoral supervisors working in Western academia is riddled with stereotypes in urban myths but little research to date has been conducted on these portrayals of Chinese supervisors. Drawing on postcolonial theories, including notions of epistemic injustice and neo-racism, this research conducts a thematic analysis on around 450 Zhihu comments. It proposes that the Zhihu community has portrayed three images of the Chinese supervisors as (1) ambitious and supportive, (2) sneaky and exploitative, and (3) colonised. While the second and third images are more negative, the first image is overwhelmingly positive. In portraying these images of the Chinese supervisors, the community confronted two main underlying structural forces. These include (1) a steep ethnic/racial hierarchy where White middle-class, native speakers of English dominate and (2) an unequal classed sphere within Western academia. This paper argues that this Zhihu community displayed profound yet only partial recognition of the steep ethnic/racial hierarchy due to their internalisation of their own linguistic inferiority. Moreover, this Zhihu community perpetuates neo-racism and epistemic injustice over Chinese supervisors and postgraduate research students from working-class and rural backgrounds. Among the first to examine how Chinese doctoral supervisors are portrayed in online communities, this article provides informative insights for prospective postgraduate research applicants as well as admission professionals in Western academia. The neo-racism and epistemic injustice identified can also feed into future work on Diversity and Equality as well as decolonising efforts. Conceptually, this article innovates by combining neo-racism and epistemic injustice to form a framework that furnishes a comprehensive examination of unjust practices and portrayals in the realms of racial and knowledge inequalities in doctoral supervision. This article thus makes empirical and conceptual contributions to critical studies in international and doctoral education.

Intersectional solidarities and inter-individual affinities: enactments of equity and privilege through doctoral supervision relationships

ABSTRACT This article draws on a research project about the transition from PhD student to academic (British Academy-Leverhulme research grant, 2020–2022). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 recent PhD graduates and six PhD supervisors. Transcripts were subjected to a thematic analysis. On a theoretical level, the article is informed by Bourdieu’s concepts of cultural and social capital, with a focus on the differential cultural and social capital available to participants through their doctoral and postdoctoral journeys. On an empirical level, we focus on two interviews with recent PhD graduates to explore how equity and privilege play out in intersectional ways in the post/doctoral journey and are mediated by doctoral supervisors as gatekeepers. In particular, we identify two discourses of supervisory support which emerged in the participants’ narratives: intersectional solidarities and inter-individual affinities, and reflect on their implications for equity.

Formations of new knowledge in doctoral supervision and examination in Australia: a preliminary investigation of the adequacy of the written thesis

ABSTRACT This small-scale research has drawn on the experience of six senior academics who have been involved in extensive doctoral supervision and examinations. The aim of the article is to discuss the nature of doctoral supervision and examination, and suggest views to enhance the expression of research outcomes as new knowledge or re-interpreting of existing ideas, theories and approaches. An interpretive view of knowledge involving critical inquiry into qualitative interview data guides the research methodology. Main points arising from semi-structured interviews form the basis of five theorised themes. Analysis of transcribed interview responses has identified trends, commonalities and differences, and has enabled the theorising of themes from Habermasian and Freireian perspectives of praxis, dialogue, critique and critical awareness. Implications for a critical, dialogical, philosophical thesis are posed, where systematic oral language strengthens written understanding.

Recording and researching doctoral supervision meetings: reconceptualising authenticity in supervision research

Purpose This paper contends that data generated by research on supervision are often taken as authentic data. Through an examination of studies that use audio/visual recordings to investigate supervision, the paper both promotes and problematises the recording of supervision meetings as a useful technique for doctoral supervision research. This paper aims to encourage a critical evaluation of methodological choices in research on supervision, and both promotes and problematises the practice of recording supervision meetings to enhance nuance in research on supervision practices. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews how prior studies have adopted different research methods to construct the space of supervision, and how the chosen methods have been justified. The paper draws on data from an empirical study which included interviews with supervisors in China, based on recordings of their supervision meetings. Findings Presenting a single case with one participant to explore the recording and interview process in detail, this study demonstrates how hearing the supervision meeting can present a multi-faceted picture of supervision practice. This multi-faceted picture underpins the alternative understanding of authentic data that this study unpacks. Originality/value Drawing on the tradition of poststructuralist critiques of traditional research methodology, this study is presented as a methodological paper, with a core aim of interrogating and problematising methodological decisions taken in studies of doctoral supervision. This study reviews research methods that were used in prior studies on supervision, investigating how the chosen methods were justified and how these methods affect the resultant construction of supervision.

Promoting inclusive university practices: Fostering diversity and dignity in doctoral supervision

AbstractThis article delves into doctoral supervision through the lens of inclusive transitions at the university. It aims to describe the complexity of the bond that forms between the supervisee and the supervisor, far from the bureaucratic practice of the academic environment. Based on self‐studies, the study reveals that the dialogue between the supervisee and the supervisor is unique and not reducible to control processes. This guidance, marked by various dilemmas, requires an ethic of openness to diversity, transforming academic practices. Inclusive supervision questions excessively academic (entitled) postures, fighting against discrimination and avoiding narcissistic pitfalls. The article further explores the vulnerability of the doctoral student, the dignity in focus, and new forms of discrimination and stigmatisation at the university. It provides a close look at unique journeys, shedding light on the human experience in the face of doctoral challenges, subtle forms of racism and the recurring theme of racism versus dignity. Drawing on Erving Goffman's work on stigma, this article also explores how these experiences of discrimination and racism can lead to stigmatisation, affecting the doctoral students' sense of self and their interactions within the academic environment. This perspective underscores the importance of fostering diversity and dignity in doctoral supervision, promoting inclusive university practices that respect and acknowledge each doctoral student's journey. It also emphasises the importance of understanding, and respect in the supervisory relationship, and the role these elements play in fostering a supportive academic environment.

“Workplaces in the mind” as metaphor: advising industry managers doing doctoral research about organisational change management

PurposeThis study aims to reflect on “good practices” in doctoral research supervision and transfer the author’s experience to other academics. The author explains the sources of his approach to doctoral research supervision drawing on traditional practice in adult learning and some reference to phenomenology as a “meeting of minds” between academic and industry mindsets.Design/methodology/approachThis is a reflective paper condensing many years of practical experience advising industry managers doing doctoral research. It is not an empirical study as such but draws on extensive practitioner experience based on many successful PhD completions in the business and management domain.FindingsThere are no empirical findings as such, but ample practical experience of doctoral research process and outcomes over 40 years of supervision in both the UK and Australian Universities.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralisation is limited to the number of doctoral research completions (between 70 and 80).Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with indicators of what the author regards as “good practices” in doctoral research supervision.Social implicationsNone is directly applicable, but academe-industry working partnerships might be improved with the author’s learner- and customer-centred approach to doctoral research with adults in senior positions in the industry wanting to do research.Originality/valueThis paper is based entirely on the author’s own working experience as a senior academic in UK and Australian Universities.

Reflexivity of the lived research experiences of a doctoral student through communities of practice

Doctoral students and apprentices are much alike. Doctoral students are treated as junior academic scholars. They must follow and learn different knowledge and research skills from their senior academic scholars, mainly supervisors and other congenial faculty members within the department. During the process, reflectivity is one of their vital self-fulfilment tools to elucidate, contemplate, ruminate, and then internalize all the given prescriptions. By adopting communities of practice as a theoretical framework, this article has employed an auto-ethnographical approach aimed at reflecting the author’s lived research experiences as a doctoral student in Hong Kong. By revealing the journeys of accommodating reflexivity, this article argues that, apart from senior members within the communities of practice, cultivations of reflexivity are also feasible from beyond the communities. This article will contribute to levels like doctoral supervision and the fulfilment of doctoral students.