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Vadukapuram R, Perugula M, Trivedi C, Mansuri Z, Reddy A. Shortage of Mental Health Professionals Doing Research: A Cause for Concern. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:802-803. [PMID: 37782523 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Research plays a crucial role in advancing health care. Physician scientists, who bring together clinical and scientific perspectives, are integral to this effort. However, the pursuit of research careers among physicians has declined due to several obstacles, including inadequate support, training, time, and financial constraints. Emergency medicine and psychiatric specialties receive less support than other specialties, and COVID-19 has worsened the challenges. The COVID-19 has made things harder for physician scientists, increasing clinical demands and causing research delays. To tackle this, future physician scientists should receive organized training that includes mandatory research activities during their training. Large-scale studies should identify barriers to research and offer mentoring for young physician scientists. Encouraging female researchers and involving research faculty in residency training is crucial. Collaboration between physician and PhD researchers is essential for the future of medical research. It is vital to address these to advance health care and improve mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramu Vadukapuram
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, Texas
| | - Malathi Perugula
- Department of Psychiatry, Nathan Kline Institute, New York, New York
| | - Chintan Trivedi
- Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Health Science Center at Permian Basin, Midland, Texas
| | - Zeeshan Mansuri
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Abhishek Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia
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Lange S, Soták M, Hagberg C, Bagunu G, Vigmo S, Börgeson E. Students at a crossroad: A cross-sectional survey gauging the impact of COVID-19 on medical and biomedical graduates in the United States and Sweden. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 51:508-519. [PMID: 37354049 PMCID: PMC10592423 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Graduate programs in medicine and biomedical sciences have been severely impacted by the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic over the last 2 years. Following 2 years since beginning of the pandemic, data on student support, educational and academic performance as well as sentiment on changes to educational programs are starting to emerge. We performed and compared results of two cross-sectional surveys of Swedish and U.S.-based medical and biomedical graduate students on how the pandemic has affected their studies, research productivity and career trajectory. Students were also asked to assess support provided by the university and supervisors. The surveys also captured student demographics and a range of other factors, such as pressures brought on by caretaking and financial responsibilities. We analyzed answers from 264 and 106 students attending graduate programs in universities in Sweden and the United States, respectively. U.S.-based students faced more severe restrictions on their research program compared to students in Sweden, reporting more delays in productivity, scientific output and graduation, and increased worries about their career trajectory. Swedish students had more caretaking responsibilities, although these did not cause any delays in graduation. While support by universities and supervisors was comparable between the countries, financial worries and mental health concerns were particularly prominent in the U.S. cohort. Student performance and outlook was hugely dependent on the breadth of the restrictions and the available support. Besides the governmental and university-led approach to counter the pandemic, societal differences also played a role in how well students were handling effects of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Lange
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, CA-92093 La Jolla, USA
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Region Midtjylland, Aarhus, DK-8200, Denmark
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Matúš Soták
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Sweden
| | - Carolina Hagberg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 74, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 74, Sweden
| | - Grace Bagunu
- Revelle College, University of California San Diego, CA-92093 La Jolla, USA
| | - Sylvi Vigmo
- Department of Education, Communication and Learning, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Emma Börgeson
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Region Midtjylland, Aarhus, DK-8200, Denmark
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Sweden
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Mehta N, Inamdar V, Puthillam A, Chunekar S, Kapoor H, Tagat A, Subramanyam D. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) researchers in India. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 7:157. [PMID: 37636840 PMCID: PMC10457572 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17853.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the nationally mandated lockdown has resulted in facility closures, decreased laboratory activities, and shifting to remote working. The effects of the pandemic have spread across all professions, including academia. Hence, the present study aims to understand the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) researchers and stakeholders in India. Methods: The study employed a mixed method design. Both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) methods were used to gain a comprehensive understanding on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) early career researchers (ECRs), graduate students, Heads of Institutes, suppliers of scientific equipment, funders, and other stakeholders in India. Results: A total of 618 researchers completed the survey, and 24 stakeholders were interviewed for this study. Our findings highlight the importance of institutional and social support for mental well-being and scientific productivity among researchers, especially during the pandemic. It also shows the impact of the disruptions in grant disbursals on research activities of scientists. Further, the gendered impact between these relationships was also noted, all of which hint at a need for structured reform within STEM. Conclusions: The study highlights the various challenges faced by early career researchers, and STEM scientists at various positions in their careers during the COVID-19 restrictions in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Mehta
- Department of Psychology, Monk Prayogshala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400072, India
| | - Vedika Inamdar
- Department of Sociology, Monk Prayogshala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400072, India
| | - Arathy Puthillam
- Department of Psychology, Monk Prayogshala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400072, India
| | - Shivani Chunekar
- Department of Sociology, Monk Prayogshala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400072, India
| | - Hansika Kapoor
- Department of Psychology, Monk Prayogshala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400072, India
| | - Anirudh Tagat
- Department of Economics, Monk Prayogshala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400072, India
| | - Deepa Subramanyam
- National Centre for Cell Science, SP Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
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Pololi LH, Evans AT, Civian JT, Cooper LA, Gibbs BK, Ninteau K, Dagher RK, Bloom-Feshbach K, Brennan RT. Are researchers in academic medicine flourishing? A survey of midcareer Ph.D. and physician investigators. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e105. [PMID: 37251000 PMCID: PMC10225255 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Midcareer research faculty are a vital part of the advancement of science in U.S. medical schools, but there are troubling trends in recruitment, retention, and burnout rates. Methods The primary sampling frame for this online survey was recipients of a single R01 or equivalent and/or K-award from 2013 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were 3-14 years at a U.S. medical school and rank of associate professor or two or more years as assistant professor. Forty physician investigators and Ph.D. scientists volunteered for a faculty development program, and 106 were propensity-matched controls. Survey items covered self-efficacy in career, research, work-life; vitality/burnout; relationships, inclusion, trust; diversity; and intention to leave academic medicine. Results The majority (52%) reported receiving poor mentoring; 40% experienced high burnout and 41% low vitality, which, in turn, predicted leaving intention (P < 0.0005). Women were more likely to report high burnout (P = 0.01) and low self-efficacy managing work and personal life (P = 0.01) and to be seriously considering leaving academic medicine than men (P = 0.003). Mentoring quality (P < 0.0005) and poor relationships, inclusion, and trust (P < 0.0005) predicted leaving intention. Non-underrepresented men were very likely to report low identity self-awareness (65%) and valuing differences (24%) versus underrepresented men (25% and 0%; P < 0.0005). Ph.D.s had lower career advancement self-efficacy than M.D.s (P < .0005). Conclusions Midcareer Ph.D. and physician investigators faced significant career challenges. Experiences diverged by underrepresentation, gender, and degree. Poor quality mentoring was an issue for most. Effective mentoring could address the concerns of this vital component of the biomedical workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa A. Cooper
- John Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian K. Gibbs
- UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kacy Ninteau
- Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rada K. Dagher
- National Institute on Minority Health Disparities (Division of Clinical and Health Services Research), National Institutes of health, USA
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Thakar MS, Mitchell-Miland C, Morone NE, Althouse AD, Murrell AJ, Rubio DM, White GE. Perseverance and consistency of interest in underrepresented post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e100. [PMID: 37250996 PMCID: PMC10225262 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Underrepresented researchers face more challenges than their well-represented counterparts. Perseverance and consistency of interest are associated with career success in well-represented physicians. Therefore, we examined associations of perseverance and consistency of interest with Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory (CRAI), science identity, and other factors related to career success among underrepresented post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected from September to October 2020 among 224 underrepresented early-career researchers at 25 academic medical centers in the Building Up Trial. We used linear regression to test associations of perseverance and consistency of interest scores with CRAI, science identity, and effort/reward imbalance (ERI) scores. Results The cohort is 80% female, 33% non-Hispanic Black, and 34% Hispanic. The median perseverance and consistency of interest scores were 3.8 (25th-75th percentile: 3.7,4.2) and 3.7 (25th-75th percentile: 3.2, 4.0), respectively. Higher perseverance was associated with a higher CRAI score (β = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.30, 1.33, p = 0.002) and science identity (β = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.19, 0.68, p = 0.001). Higher consistency of interest was associated with a higher CRAI score (β = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.23, 0.96, p = 0.001) and higher science identity score (β = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.36, p = 0.02), while lower consistency of interest was associated with imbalance favoring effort (β = -0.22; 95% CI = -0.33, -0.11, p = 0.001). Conclusions We found that perseverance and consistency of interest are related to CRAI and science identity, indicating that these factors may positively influence one's decision to stay in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya S. Thakar
- Institute for Clinical Research Education, University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chantele Mitchell-Miland
- Institute for Clinical Research Education, University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalia E. Morone
- General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew D. Althouse
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Audrey J. Murrell
- College of Business Administration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Doris M. Rubio
- Institute for Clinical Research Education, University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gretchen E. White
- Institute for Clinical Research Education, University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Soklaridis S, Black G, LeBlanc C, MacKinnon KR, Holroyd-Leduc J, Clement F, Schrewe B, Ross HJ, Calleja S, Stergiopoulos V, Taylor VH, Kuper A. Academic Productivity of Equity-Deserving Physician Scholars During COVID-19: A Scoping Review. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2023; 98:123-135. [PMID: 36576772 PMCID: PMC9779983 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic presented new barriers and exacerbated existing inequities for physician scholars. While COVID-19's impact on academic productivity among women has received attention, the pandemic may have posed additional challenges for scholars from a wider range of equity-deserving groups, including those who hold multiple equity-deserving identities. To examine this concern, the authors conducted a scoping review of the literature through an intersectionality lens. METHOD The authors searched peer-reviewed literature published March 1, 2020, to December 16, 2021, in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and PubMed. The authors excluded studies not written in English and/or outside of academic medicine. From included studies, they extracted data regarding descriptions of how COVID-19 impacted academic productivity of equity-deserving physician scholars, analyses on the pandemic's reported impact on productivity of physician scholars from equity-deserving groups, and strategies provided to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic productivity of physician scholars from equity-deserving groups. RESULTS Of 11,587 unique articles, 44 met inclusion criteria, including 15 nonempirical studies and 29 empirical studies (22 bibliometrics studies, 6 surveys, and 1 qualitative study). All included articles focused on the gendered impact of the pandemic on academic productivity. The majority of their recommendations focused on how to alleviate the burden of the pandemic on women, particularly those in the early stages of their career and/or with children, without consideration of scholars who hold multiple and intersecting identities from a wider range of equity-deserving groups. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate a lack of published literature on the pandemic's impact on physician scholars from equity-deserving groups, including a lack of consideration of physician scholars who experience multiple forms of discrimination. Well-intentioned measures by academic institutions to reduce the impact on scholars may inadvertently risk reproducing and sustaining inequities that equity-deserving scholars faced during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Soklaridis
- S. Soklaridis is a senior scientist, Department of Education, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and associate professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5119-8473
| | - Georgia Black
- G. Black is a research analyst, Department of Education, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Constance LeBlanc
- C. LeBlanc is professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0553-3335
| | - Kinnon R. MacKinnon
- K.R. MacKinnon is assistant professor, School of Social Work, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2039-6746
| | - Jayna Holroyd-Leduc
- J. Holroyd-Leduc is professor and head, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fiona Clement
- F. Clement is professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brett Schrewe
- B. Schrewe is clinical assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9743-2894
| | - Heather J. Ross
- H.J. Ross is division head of cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, and professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4384-3027
| | - Sabine Calleja
- S. Calleja is a librarian, Department of Education, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5297-0736
| | - Vicky Stergiopoulos
- V. Stergiopoulos is a clinician scientist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3941-9434
| | - Valerie H. Taylor
- V.H. Taylor is professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ayelet Kuper
- A. Kuper is a scientist and associate director, Wilson Centre, University Health Network/University of Toronto, and associate professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6399-6958
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Bredella MA, Volkov BB, Doyle JM. Training and cultivating the translational science workforce: Responses of Clinical and Translational Science Awards program hubs to the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Transl Sci 2023; 16:43-49. [PMID: 36448246 PMCID: PMC9841297 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed our lives and the delivery of healthcare. The pandemic also led to widespread disruption in the research activities and training of pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, and early career faculty researchers. This mini-review uses the Local Adaptive Capacity Framework to describe successful practices, challenges, and lessons learned on how Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs have used their expertise, resources, and collaborations to advance clinical and translational science research and workforce development while facing and adapting to a pandemic. Data for this mini-review were taken from the scientific literature (23 articles) and the Research Performance Progress Reports of 50 unique CTSA hubs (40 TL1 and 50 KL2 awards). Institutions responded in innovative ways to the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic and virtual platforms were used to overcome challenges related to physical distancing, laboratory closures, and travel bans. The importance of mentorship and well-being led to the creation of new virtual programs to expand mentoring and networking beyond the home institution and to promote well-being and resilience. These solutions to translational workforce development can be implemented to address future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A. Bredella
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Catalyst, The Harvard Clinical and Translational Science CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Boris B. Volkov
- University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science InstituteMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Institute for Health InformaticsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Jamie M. Doyle
- Division of Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational SciencesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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Continued impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical and translational science early-career researchers. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e7. [PMID: 36755533 PMCID: PMC9879910 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had an immediate impact on the lives and work of early-career researchers. We leveraged a cluster-randomized trial and compared survey data collected over two timepoints to explore whether these impacts persisted. Although more than a year had passed, 74% of participants reported that their research was affected in multiple ways in both 2020 and 2021. These data suggest that the effects of the pandemic on early-career researchers may be prolonged. Our findings additionally serve as an impetus to identify and implement solutions to early-career challenges that undoubtedly existed before the pandemic, but which COVID-19 brought into the spotlight.
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Kuhn KA, Stahly A, Konig MF, Carandang K, Herndon C, Backman C, Callahan LF, Schulert G, Fraenkel L, Ogdie A. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Career Investigators in Rheumatology: Recommendations to Address Challenges to Early Research Careers. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022; 75:947-955. [PMID: 36342380 PMCID: PMC9877547 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the careers of trainees and early career investigators (ECIs). We sought to assess how the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF) can address the needs of those pursuing research careers. METHODS The Committee on Research created a survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 and identify topics for the ACR and the RRF to address. In fall of 2020, we surveyed postdoctoral trainees and ECIs within 9 years of terminal training. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Twenty-one percent of invitees responded to the survey (n = 365); of these, 60% were pursuing careers in academic research. Seventy-five percent of respondents in academic research career paths placed their primary projects on hold during the pandemic. The number of individuals pursuing a research career from 2020 to 2021 decreased by 5%. Respondents reported funding, caregiving, and lack of preliminary data as significant challenges. Suggested impactful interventions included increased funding, funding process reform, and expanding mentoring and networking resources. CONCLUSION Major stressors identified during the pandemic included increased caregiving responsibilities and difficulty obtaining data and funding, for which respondents suggested increases and changes in funding programs as well as more mentoring and networking opportunities. Based on these, the Committee on Research proposes 3 priorities: 1) flexible funding mechanisms for ECIs and additional support for those impacted by caregiving; 2) virtual and in-person programs for career development and networking; and 3) curated content relevant to building a research career available on demand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Stahly
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora
| | | | - Kristine Carandang
- Young Patients' Autoimmune Research & Empowerment Alliance and University of Wisconsin‐River FallsRiver Falls
| | | | - Catherine Backman
- The University of British Columbia and Arthritis Research CanadaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Grant Schulert
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
| | - Liana Fraenkel
- Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut
| | - Alexis Ogdie
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
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Morin A, Helling BA, Krishnan S, Risner LE, Walker ND, Schwartz NB. Surveying the experience of postdocs in the United States before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. eLife 2022; 11:75705. [PMID: 35880738 PMCID: PMC9322995 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the interest of advocating for the postdoctoral community in the United States (US), we compared the results of surveys of postdocs carried out in 2019 and in late 2020. We found that respondents’ mental health and wellness were significantly impacted by the pandemic irrespective of their gender, race, citizenship, or other identities. Career trajectories and progression were also affected, as respondents reported being less confident about achieving career goals, and having more negative perceptions of the job market compared to before the pandemic. Postdocs working in the US on temporary visas reported experiencing increased stress levels due to changes in immigration policy. Access to institutional Postdoctoral Offices or Associations positively impacted well-being and helped mitigate some of the personal and professional stresses caused by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréanne Morin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Britney A Helling
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Seetha Krishnan
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Laurie E Risner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Nykia D Walker
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Nancy B Schwartz
- Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
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11
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Heo S, Peralta PD, Jin L, Pereira Nunes CR, Bell ML. Differences in self-perception of productivity and mental health among the STEMM-field scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic by sex and status as a parent: A survey in six languages. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269834. [PMID: 35776710 PMCID: PMC9249185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for working conditions for scientists, but little is known for how the associations of these challenges with scientists’ mental health and productivity differ by sex and status as a parent. This online survey study in six languages collected data from 4,494 scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine fields across 132 countries during October–December 2021. We compared the type of challenges for work, changes in work hours, and perception in productivity during the pandemic by sex and status as a parent (children <18 years living at home). Regression analyses analyzed the impacts of changed working conditions and work-life factors on productivity and mental health. We found that the percentage of participants with increased work hours was the highest in female participants, especially without children. Disproportionately higher increases in work hours were found for teaching and administration in women than men and for research/fundraising in non-parent participants than parent participants (p-value<0.001). Female participants were more concerned about the negative impacts of the pandemic on publications and long-term career progress, and less satisfied with their career progress than their male counterparts. There were differences in the type of institutional actions for the pandemic across study regions. The identified obstacles for work and home-life factors were associated with higher risks of experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress. Decision makers should consider the gender differences in the pandemic’s adverse impacts on productivity in establishing equitable actions for career progress for scientists during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seulkee Heo
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Pedro Diaz Peralta
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Administrative Law Department, School of Law, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lan Jin
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Claudia Ribeiro Pereira Nunes
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Law, School of Law, Federal University of Amazon, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Michelle L Bell
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Mehta N, Inamdar V, Puthillam A, Chunekar S, Kapoor H, Tagat A, Subramanyam D. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) researchers in India. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17853.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the nationally mandated lockdown has resulted in facility closures, decreased laboratory activities, and shifting to remote working. The effects of the pandemic have spread across all professions, including academia. Hence, the present study aims to understand the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) researchers and stakeholders in India. Methods: The study employed a mixed method design. Both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) methods were used to gain a comprehensive understanding on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) early career researchers (ECRs), graduate students, Heads of Institutes, suppliers of scientific equipment, funders, and other stakeholders in India. Results: A total of 618 researchers completed the survey, and 24 stakeholders were interviewed for this study. Our findings highlight the importance of institutional and social support for mental well-being and scientific productivity among researchers, especially during the pandemic. It also shows the impact of the disruptions in grant disbursals on research activities of scientists. Further, the gendered impact between these relationships was also noted, all of which hint at a need for structured reform within STEM. Conclusions: The study highlights the various challenges faced by early career researchers, and STEM scientists at various positions in their careers during the COVID-19 restrictions in India.
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The impact of social unrest due to systemic racism on underrepresented post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty. J Clin Transl Sci 2022; 6:e112. [PMID: 36285023 PMCID: PMC9549581 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Social unrest tied to racism negatively impacted half of NIH-funded extramural researchers underrepresented (UR) in science. UR early-career scientists encounter more challenges in their research careers, but the impact of social unrest due to systemic racism in this group is unclear. We used mixed methods to describe the impact of social unrest due to systemic racism on mentoring relationships, research, and psychological well-being in UR post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in September 2021–January 2022 from 144 UR early-career researchers from 25 academic medical centers in the Building Up Trial. The primary outcomes were agreement on five-point Likert scales with social unrest impact statements (e.g., “I experienced psychological distress due to events of social unrest regarding systemic racism”). Thematic analysis was conducted on responses to one open-ended question assessing how social unrest regarding systemic racism affected participants. Results: Most participants were female (80%), non-Hispanic Black (35%), or Hispanic (40%). Over half of participants (57%) experienced psychological distress as a result of social unrest due to systemic racism. Participants described direct and indirect discrimination and isolation from other persons of color at their institutions. Twice as many participants felt their mentoring relationships were positively (21%) versus negatively (11%) impacted by social unrest due to systemic racism. Conclusions: Experiences with racial bias and discrimination impact the career and well-being of UR early-career researchers. Mentoring relationships and institutional support play an important role in buffering the negative impact of racial injustice for this population.
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