Abstract
ABSTRACTPurpose. The purpose of the study was to explore the early career pathways of women who are deans in academic medicine to understand how they perceived their developed leadership skills and how they identified strategies to advance women into dean leadership roles.
Theoretical Framework. Social role theory states that societal expectations of women in leadership in comparison to men in leadership may produce a prejudice bias in which women are more often seen as caregivers or in supporting roles (e.g., secretaries; Eagly & Wood, 2016). This study explored Eagly’s (1987) theory in the context of women deans in nationwide medical schools, specifically in developing leadership preparedness and skills to advance into their dean roles.
Methodology. Life history was used to answer four research questions: (a) “How do early career women who are now academic deans in academic medicine describe their leadership journey?” (b) “What challenges do early career women who are academic deans describe as influencing their career paths?” (c) “What opportunities do early career women who are academic deans describe as influencing their career paths?” and (d) “How do women deans in academic medicine recommend that postsecondary institutions support women wanting to pursue academic leadership?”
Findings and Conclusions. Four themes emerged related to women deans’ leadership journeys: (a) preparing for the dean role, (b) challenges for women deans, (c) taking advantage of opportunities, and (d) scaffolding support. Findings revealed that participants experienced gender role biases and imposter syndrome. In addition, participants shared that they needed to advance their education and engage in mentoring. Leadership development was also addressed. Individual and structural leadership was provided for women to position themselves to become leaders.
Recommendations. Future research studies include exploring the male and female gender impact on leadership in academic medicine and how different identities and cultural perspectives may impact one’s decision to become a dean. A comparison study on how well established medical schools versus new medical schools may affect women’s leadership journey to becoming a dean. STEM fields outside of academic medicine should also be examined to see how leadership and gender may play a role.