Twelve tips for excelling as an introvert in academic medicine (at all levels)

Abstract

Background

Introverted individuals comprise up to half of the population, but are often overlooked in a culture that privileges extraversion. This misunderstanding of introversion has downstream effects for introverts in academic medicine, including lower grades on clinical rotations, increased stress, and under-representation in leadership positions.

Aims

To increase support for and awareness of the unique strengths of introverted individuals at all stages of a career in academic medicine.

Description

This article offers twelve tips, based in the educational, business, and personality literature, to empower introverted students, residents, and faculty members for success in academic medicine. While many of the tips apply broadly, certain tips may be more relevant to those in a particular career stage.

Conclusion

Increased understanding of the natural tendencies and strengths of introversion will promote a more inclusive working environment for all personality types in medicine and allow introverts at all levels of training and practice to thrive.

Keywords:

• Introversion
• education environment
• medicine
• leadership
• team management
• inclusion

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Jennifer Myers and Dr. Devin McBride for their review of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Margot E. Cohen

Margot E. Cohen MD MSEd is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. She is the co-director of the Internal Medicine core clerkship.

Aditi Kalotra

Aditi Kalotra MD is an instructor in clinical medicine in the Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Andrew R. Orr

Andrew R. Orr MD MSEd is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He is the co-director of the Internal Medicine sub-internship.