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I Applied for Something and Didn't Get It: A thread
We've all heard the phrases “History is written by the winners.” “To the victor go the spoils.”
For all we talk about the value of trying, often, what we truly value is winning.
We've all heard the phrases “History is written by the winners.” “To the victor go the spoils.”
For all we talk about the value of trying, often, what we truly value is winning.
This is no less true in the field of medicine - especially academic medicine.
In academic medicine, people tout their successes while often downplaying other tries. People don't discuss many of their efforts, because it is considered embarrassing to try and not succeed.
In academic medicine, people tout their successes while often downplaying other tries. People don't discuss many of their efforts, because it is considered embarrassing to try and not succeed.
But. We all apply for things that we want, and sometimes, it doesn't work out. Outside observers, especially trainees, only see the successes. I want people to see the disappointments that occur along the way too.
This fall, I applied to be the Chair of the Emergency Department at UAB. I was so impressed with the institution, and the more I learned, the more I wanted the job. I worked incredibly hard to prepare for, and then complete, 2 full days of back-to-back interviews.
And I didn't get the job. I didn't even make it to the short-short list. And that's okay.
This week, the new Chair was announced, and I could not be more elated. An EM-Critical Care colleague, whom I hold in the highest esteem, Dr. Marie-Carmelle Elie, @drcarmelle, will be the new Chair of Emergency Medicine at UAB.
If someone had asked me during the process which of us were more qualified for this job, I would have replied “Dr. Elie” without a moment's hesitation. She is truly a brilliant choice to lead their department.
And so I put all of this on social media with several goals. First, I want to normalize the idea that it's okay to apply for things and not get them. It happens all the time, and I want our trainees and junior faculty to see that.
Second, I want to normalize the idea of women applying for chair jobs in academic medicine. I want our women trainees to see that there are viable career paths leading to the highest levels of academic medicine.
Third, I want to congratulate Dr. Elie. And more importantly, I want to congratulate @UABEmergencyMed on making a stellar choice. They recruited one of the most brilliant, respected, and accomplished emergency physicians, and I know she will do great things for their Department.
Fourth, I want to reinforce the power of women supporting other women. I sincerely believe that the more women we have in leadership roles, the better it will be for all of us. I am delighted that we have another woman Chair in the field of EM!
Lastly, it all worked out very well for me! I didn’t get this job, but I have been promoted to the Vice-Chair for Clinical Affairs in the ED at MGH. I love MGH, Boston, and my department. But, even there hadn’t been a perfect ending for me, it still would have been OK.
We all have disappointments along the way. The winners are the ones who keep trying, regardless. The more supportive we can be of one another, the better it is for all.
