Supporting Effective Work-Life Integration for Women in Academic Medicine: An Innovative Initiative for Physicians and Scientists with Caregiving Responsibilities

Objectives Integrating the professional responsibilities of academic medicine with the demands of caregiving is a challenge that often weighs disproportionately on women. Supporting women caregivers in academia has been shown to benefit their professional development and prevent burnout. An initiative to support women faculty and trainees with caregiving responsibilities was created within the Department of Medicine (DOM) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis called DOM Moms & Caregivers. Methods A needs assessment was completed by 111 women within the DOM, facilitating the formation of DOM Moms & Caregivers. Three events were held in the first year of the group, including informational and community-building events. Feedback on programming was collected in the form of surveys or interviews after each event and at the end of the academic year. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify themes. Results Thirty-six unique individuals engaged in the events, ranging from trainees to faculty, encompassing women caring for infants to aging parents, and with varied abilities and levels of family support. The unifying themes in feedback included the desire for more social engagement and space for community building through shared stories and experiences. Participants requested variations of programming format and time, such as creating space to connect in small groups within larger events. Conclusions DOM Moms & Caregivers will continue to evolve to support the diverse needs of the women within the department. Recent initiatives have included continuing to host informational events and creating a directory to connect trainee and faculty caregivers for advice and support.