A qualitative investigation of resilience and well‐being among medical physics residents

Abstract

Purpose Medical physics residents (MPRs) will define and shape the future of physics in medicine. We sought to better understand the residency experience, as related to resilience and well‐being, through the lens of current MPRs and medical physicists (MPs) working with residents. Methods and materials From February–May 2019, we conducted 32, 1‐h, confidential, semi‐structured interviews with MPs either currently enrolled in an accredited residency (n = 16) or currently employed by a department with an accredited residency (n = 16). Interviews centered on the topics of mentorship, work/life integration, and discrimination. Qualitative analysis methods were used to derive key themes from the interview transcripts. Results With regard to the medical physics residency experience, four key themes emerged during qualitative analysis: the demanding nature of medical physics residencies, the negative impacts of residency on MPRs during training and beyond, strategies MPRs use to cope with residency stress, and the role of professional societies in addressing residency‐related change. Conclusions Residency training is a stress‐inducing time in the path to becoming a board‐certified MP. By uncovering several sources of this stress, we have identified opportunities to support the resiliency and well‐being of MPs in training through recommendations by professional societies, programmatic changes, and interventions at the department and residency program director level for residency programs, as well as strategies that MPRs themselves can use to support well‐being on their career journey.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion topics at a medical physics residency journal club

“…• "Diversity based on race, ethnicity, and sex, of the US radiation oncology physician workforce," by Chapman, Hwang, and Deville 20 The EDI-themed journal club was presented in late 2022. The first presenting resident led discussion on one article included in the list above, Hendrickson et al 15 and one article chosen independently from the list, based on resident interest and direct applicability to the resident's practice: "Disparities in access to radiation therapy facilities among American Indians/Alaska natives and Hispanics in Washington State" by Greer et al 21 The second presenting resident led discussion on two articles included in the list above, Paradis et al 19 and Rankin et al 6 In addition to the two resident leaders, all five faculty members (including the program director) attended.…”

“…“Implications of medical board certification practices on family planning and professional trajectory for early career female radiation oncologists,” by Dover et al 18 “A qualitative investigation of resilience and well‐being among medical physics residents,” by Paradis et al 19 “Diversity and professional advancement in medical physics,” by Rankin et al 6 …”

“…and one article chosen independently from the list, based on resident interest and direct applicability to the resident's practice: “Disparities in access to radiation therapy facilities among American Indians/Alaska natives and Hispanics in Washington State” by Greer et al 21 . The second presenting resident led discussion on two articles included in the list above, Paradis et al 19 . and Rankin et al 6 .…”

Women in Medical Physics

“…I am heartened by these more substantial efforts toward equity. We are learning more from quantitative and qualitative research from training 8–10 through professional positions and an ever‐expanding content of thoughtful presentations at AAPM meetings. But are we doing enough?…”

Interviewing for residency positions while completing a graduate degree: Considerations for graduate students, mentors, and program directors

“…11 Excessive time spent interviewing, however, can negatively impact students, faculty, and education and training programs. A recent study 12 suggests that the bottleneck problem could contribute to stress and burnout. For all these reasons, we seek to raise an awareness of key factors that students and their faculty mentors should consider as they navigate through the bottleneck.…”