UNC Department of Anesthesiology is pleased to recognize Fei Chen, PhD, for being named an American Board of Medical Specialties Research and Education Foundation (ABMS-REF) 2023-2024 Visiting Scholar. The ABMS-REF Visting Scholar Program (VSP) supports the investigative pursuits of early-career physicians and research scholars whose work addresses multiple priorities, including: 1) Intra- and inter-specialty diagnostic excellence; 2) Competency-based medical education and assessments across the medical education continuum; 3) Racial equity and diversity across the healthcare continuum; and 4) Physician engagement in quality improvement and patient safety. 

Over the year-long (Sept 2023 – Aug 2024) program period, Dr. Chen will apply $15K in ABMS-REF Visiting Scholars funding to her VSP project, entitled: “Unprofessional Behavior in Residency Education: Developing a Taxonomy and Assessing Gender, Racial and Generational Differences in Perception.” Dr. Chen’s study explores physician trainee and attending perceptions of unprofessional behavior in residency education, as well as how perceptual variations are associated with demographic factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, and age. The study also investigates potential interactions between demographic factors that influence the perception of unprofessional behaviors.  

Dr. Chen noted: “Understanding demographic-driven differences in perceptions of unprofessional behavior can assist developing targeted interventions and educational strategies to bridge gaps and promote a shared understanding of professionalism in medical education. The results of this study project will inform interventions for promoting a positive and respectful learning environment and forming a desirable professional identity. 

This research also has the potential to influence initial and continuing certification processes. By identifying potential variations in perception across demographic groups, this project can shed light on any biases or disparities in assessing professionalism, lead to more equitable evaluations, and contribute to developing a qualified and diversified healthcare workforce.

I look forward to completing this program and sharing my experience in the future with our colleagues. Special thanks to my mentor for this project, [Professor of Anesthesiology] Dr. Susie Martinelli!” 

To read more about the ABMS Visiting Scholars Program, click here.