Identity Work: A Qualitative Study of Residents' Experiences Navigating Identity Struggles.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Medical training traditionally holds a deterministic view of professional socialization wherein many medical learners struggle to construct a professional identity. Previous research has demonstrated the dysfunctional norms and conflicting ideologies that create identity struggle, disproportionally affecting women and individuals underrepresented in medicine. Symbolic interactionism can help explain identity struggles, emphasizing the influence of socio-contextual factors on identity construction. The purpose of this study was to explore how residents navigate identity struggles during residency training.

Method

We conducted a qualitative exploration of 12 residents in three specialties at three academic institutions in the United States. Participants engaged in

SUBMITTER: Sawatsky AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11568810 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature