Relationships

Giving Friendship Proper Emphasis in Academic Medicine

“…Collegiality and connection have been identified as important to the decision to enter and remain in academic medicine. 2,3 Experiences of friendship can strengthen the sense of belonging and meaning for members of the health professions and for those who work throughout academic medicine. 4,5 Our journal has received many submissions over the years suggesting the salutary role of friendship in diverse aspects of academic medicine.…”

“…33 In academic medicine, friendships may also play a role in preventing burnout and encouraging work-life balance. 2,4 In light of such observations, it is clearly time to reflect on friendship and to give it proper emphasis, not only with respect to our personal lives but in relation to our work lives. There is clear evidence that workplace friendships reduce stress, improve teamwork, and contribute to systemic improvements in workplace culture.…”

“…Researchers have argued that the beneficial effects of other factors typically associated with long-term well-being—e.g., community engagement, religious affiliation—may be due to their effects on friendship networks 33 . In academic medicine, friendships may also play a role in preventing burnout and encouraging work–life balance 2,4 …”

“…Happily, the field of academic medicine is replete with friends and friendship. Collegiality and connection have been identified as important to the decision to enter and remain in academic medicine 2,3 . Experiences of friendship can strengthen the sense of belonging and meaning for members of the health professions and for those who work throughout academic medicine 4,5 …”