Sources of Strength: Black Women Faculty Navigating Academic Medicine

Background: Black women in academic medicine face challenges in career advancement due to systemic inequities shaped by their gendered racial identity. Despite systemic barriers and significant underrepresentation, many persist and thrive by drawing on personal, cultural, and communal resources to navigate and succeed in their professional journeys. This study applies intersectionality, gendered racism, and Black Feminist Thought to examine how Black women faculty in academic medicine navigate intersecting systems of oppression, centering their lived experiences and strategies for resilience, well-being, and career advancement. Methods: A qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological framework was conducted to explore the lived experiences of 18 Black women in academic medicine across seven institutions. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis informed by inductive coding strategies. Results: Five key themes emerged: community support, mentorship and sponsorship, spirituality, resilience, and pathways for future generations. These themes reflect the holistic strategies Black women faculty employ to navigate and advance their careers. Discussion: Findings expand on the existing literature, highlighting the adaptive coping strategies Black women faculty employ to sustain their well-being and professional growth in the challenging environment of academic medicine. It further underscores the urgent need for strengthened institutional support and resources to promote the retention and success of Black women faculty. Conclusion: This study underscores the resilience of Black women faculty in academic medicine and calls for further research and institutional action to address systemic barriers and support their sustained professional success.