Inspiring and Preparing Our Future Leaders: Evaluating the Impact of the Early Career Women’s Leadership Program

• DOI: 10.2147/jhl.s470538
• Publication Date: 2024-07-31T05:35:18Z
• Authors: Jennifer Lee; Sean Tackett; Kimberly Skarupski; Kathy Forbush; Barbara Fivush; Maria Oliva-Hemker; Rachel Levine
• Keywords: Leadership Development

Purpose: The number of women in high-level leadership academic medicine remains disproportionately low. Early career programs may help increase women's representation leadership. We evaluated the Career Women's Leadership Program (ECWLP). hypothesized that participants would rate themselves as having increased confidence their potential, improved skills, and greater alignment between goals for well-being leading after program. also explored participants' aspirations around pursuing before Methods: surveyed physicians scientists they participated 2023 ECWLP, consisting 11 seminars over six months. analyzed pre- post-program data using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. answers to open-ended questions with a content analysis approach. Results: 47/51 (92%) responded, 74% answered questionnaires. Several metrics program, including ability lead ( p < 0.001), negotiate p< articulate vision reframe obstacles challenge assumptions align personal professional values p= 0.002). Perceptions conflict aspiring family responsibilities 0.003) achieving physical 0.002) decreased. Perceived barriers advancement included not being part influential networks, lack transparency leadership, competitive individualistic culture. In qualitative analysis, described balancing internal factors such self-doubt external like competing demands when considering Many believed becoming leader be detrimental well-being. Beneficial ECWLP components support self-reflection, tactical planning pursue creating safe environment. Conclusion: strategic plans way supported work-life integration. encourage prepare Keywords: faculty, gender, medicine, development, healthcare