Medical school, teaching hospital, and academic health centre: A medical genetics story

This action research project was guided by the question, "How can an exploration of the lived experiences of clinical geneticists in the Provincial Medical Genetics Program better inform health system employers on recruitment and retention strategies of clinical geneticist academic physicians in Canadian academic health centres?" Success in recruiting, motivating, and retaining the best academic physicians has a significant impact on the health outcomes of Canadians. Based on the study results, I recommend developing community genetics, exploring alternative compensation models, and creating personalized mentoring programs as measures to enhance recruitment and retention of clinical geneticist academic physicians. The viability and growth of academic health centres depend on recruiting and retaining academic physicians, and on staying resilient during times of change. I conclude that building and sustaining a culture that promotes effective self-organization and wellness of academic physicians increases resiliency.