WOMEN IN ACADEMIC EM
Careers by Design: Achieving SelfPromotion Without Being Seen as a Self-Promoter SAEM PULSE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024
By Yanina Purim-Shem-Tov, MD, MS on behalf of the SAEM Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine
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Navigating the delicate balance between self-promotion and being perceived as a self-promoter can be particularly challenging for women physicians in academic medicine. The dual demands of advancing one’s career while maintaining collegial relationships require strategic thinking and a nuanced approach. Here are key strategies to help women physicians promote their accomplishments effectively without coming across as self-promoters.
Leverage Third-Party Endorsements
One of the most effective ways to highlight achievements is through
third-party endorsements. Peer recommendations, letters of support, and nominations for awards serve as powerful tools. Encouraging colleagues, mentors, and department heads to acknowledge your contributions can validate your accomplishments in a manner that feels more objective and less self-serving. Cultivating a network of advocates who can speak to your skills and successes can amplify your professional reputation without you having to directly assert your worth. See Women Don’t Self Promote, but May Be They Should by Pamela Reynolds
Document and Share Impactful Stories
Instead of merely listing accomplishments, sharing stories that highlight the impact of your work can resonate more with your audience. Narratives that illustrate how your contributions have improved patient care, advanced research, or enhanced educational outcomes can make your achievements more relatable and memorable. For example, detailing how a particular research project led to improved clinical guidelines or how your teaching methods resulted in higher exam scores can provide context and demonstrate real-world impact.