How Introverts Can Excel in Academic Medicine with Margot Cohen, MD, MSEd, and Andrew Orr, MD

Introverts often find themselves navigating the extroverted seas of academic medicine, where networking events, presentations, and social interactions seem to be everywhere. In the latest episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, Drs. Margot Cohen and Andrew Orr join our show to share valuable insights on how introverts can excel in a field that often values extroverted qualities.

In June 2023, Drs. Cohen and Orr, along with Aditi Kalotra, MD, authored the article, “Twelve Tips for Excelling as an Introvert in Academic Medicine.” It caught our attention here at the Faculty Factory in the best way possible.

Dr. Cohen is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Medicine). Dr. Orr, formerly of Penn Medicine, currently serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine at UCSF in the San Francisco Veterans Administration.

Here is the link to the article that was the foundation of this interview, "Twelve Tips for Excelling as an Introvert in Academic Medicine": https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0142159X.2023.2216357

Other resources mentioned in this podcast include:

• "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain: https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352153
• "Knowing Your Personal Brand: What Academics Can Learn From Marketing 101": https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2019/09000/knowing_your_personal_brand__what_academics_can.15.aspx  

Success in academic medicine is not limited to extroverted individuals. By embracing introverted qualities, structuring self-promotion, flexing the extrovert muscle when necessary, and prioritizing self-care, introverts can navigate the academic medicine landscape with confidence.

As academic medicine continues to evolve, recognizing and celebrating the diversity of personalities within the field will contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all professionals.

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