Background Women are under-represented within academic general practice, particularly after mid-career. Aim To explore the lived experiences of early/mid-career female academic GPs and inform ways to reduce attrition through the GP academic career path. Design & Setting In-depth qualitative interview study within the United Kingdom. Method Adapted Biographical Narrative Interpretive Method interviews were utilised, analysed thematically using Braun & Clarke's reflexive method and informed by Bourdieu's theory of practice. Composite narratives were developed as part of the analysis to identify key biographical storylines, and to present findings. Results 39 Interviews with a diverse sample of 13 female academic GPs were conducted. Five composite narratives reflecting corresponding themes were generated. Participants described: challenges in 'thriving? or surviving?' in academic general practice, 'Feeling on the cliff edge' with precarious careers balanced against fulfilment and creativity, the cumulative burdens of 'doing the juggle', and living between 'two worlds'. Women who followed conventional academic career pathways appeared more positive within their careers than those who did not. Women who entered later in their GP careers, and those who experienced multiple forms of disadvantage, reported additional barriers. Participants described their efforts managing practical and ethical tensions between their clinical, academic and personal responsibilities. Conclusion Women academic GPs live complex and demanding lives. Different strands of their unfolding life narratives-as clinicians, academics and partners/carers-generate recurrent tensions and conflicting pressures. Experiences are varied. Academic support structures should address (among other things) the career-limiting impact of short-term contracts, mentorship and inequity in navigating the field.
MacIver et al. (Mon,) studied this question.