Thriving in Transition: Empowering Mid-Career Clinicians in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Key Message: The mid-career phase is simultaneously filled with potential and fraught with risks, including low career satisfaction and high rates of burnout. This interprofessional forum will empower mid-career hospice and palliative medicine clinicians to overcome unique challenges, reignite professional passion, and achieve greater success during this distinct career phase.

Abstract: A growing number of clinicians are practicing hospice and palliative medicine for the majority of their careers. Sustaining this already constrained workforce requires supporting clinicians across all career stages. However, most existing professional development literature and programming focuses on early career clinicians, with relatively little attention given to the vulnerable mid-career phase. We previously defined the “mid-career” clinician as one who has been independently practicing for greater than five years, who is sought out for clinical guidance, tapped for leadership roles or receiving grant funding, and who is routinely asked to mentor others. (1) Mid-career clinicians commonly face increased risk of burnout, shifting personal and professional priorities, and evolution in their professional identity as they navigate new challenges both at home and at work. (1) The growth inherent to the mid-career space necessitates ongoing professional support and skilled mentorship.

In this session, a group of interprofessional palliative care clinicians will explore common mid-career challenges and opportunities relevant to our field. Presenters will share the results of their recently published qualitative study exploring key mid-career phenomena and associated clinician needs during this time. (2) Themes include the need for peer support around major life decisions, the importance of boundary setting, the value of shared academic pursuits, and the need to celebrate professional milestones. (2) Presenters will discuss strategies to enhance mid-career efficacy, including well-cultivated peer mentoring relationships, writing collaborations, tools to enhance clinical time efficiency, and practices to prioritize personal and family needs. (3-4) Through expert insights and sharing of evidence-based, real-world strategies, attendees will gain practical tools to navigate the mid-career phase with confidence and enhance professional success.

References: 1. Daubman BR, Lawton AJ, Zehm A, Rosenberg LB, Natarajan S. The Tween Years: Thriving as a Mid-Career Academic Hospice and Palliative Medicine Clinician. J Palliat Med. 2023; 26(3):321-326.
2. Zehm A, Lawton AJ, Rosenberg LB, Natarajan S, Daubman BR. You've Got A Friendtor in Me: Innovations in Peer Mentoring for Mid-Career Palliative Care Clinicians. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2025; Epub ahead of print.
3. Findyartini A, Ramani S, McKimm J, Fornari A. Collaborative writing for clinical educators: recommendations from a community of scholars. Clin Teach. 2021; 18(4):330-335.
4. Lawton AJ, Daubman BR, Natarajan S, Zehm A, Rosenberg LB. Making Every Minute Matter: Practical Strategies to Enhance High-Quality, Time-Efficient Hospice and Palliative Care Visits. J Palliat Med. 2024; 27(12):1578-1582.