29. How to Build a Career in Academia that Works for You

In this episode of Her Leading Story, Julie sits down with long-time friend and fellow sociologist Dr. Karen Spencer. Karen shares her journey from a traditional academic role (as a university tenure-track professor)  to eight years in a 100% research focused role at a grant-funded research institute…  and then back to a tenured faculty position.  From nearly pursuing a career in medicine to becoming a medical sociologist and eventually leaving a tenure-track job for a research institute, Karen’s story is a testament to listening to yourself, taking measured risks, and ensuring your work is aligned with your values.

Listeners will also hear about Karen’s research on hospice care, her work on a forthcoming book about end-of-life care, and how systems shape medical outcomes. Karen’s story of grant writing persistence, interdisciplinary research, and the importance of finding the right mentor is a reminder that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to careers in academia.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Karen's early academic interests and shift from pre-med to medical sociology
• Navigating an unconventional academic career path and the risks involved
• The power of mentorship and listening to your gut in career decisions
• Karen’s extensive research on end-of-life care and hospice

Karen’s bio:  

Karen is a sociologist studying medical decision making, doctor-patient relationships, and health disparities—especially how inequality shows up in our healthcare systems. Over the past 25 years, she has examined these issues across various medical and psychiatric conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Karen’s current research is focused on end-of-life decision making in the US, tackling the question of why our lived experiences of death and dying are so often at odds with healthcare ideals, and how we can improve. Since 2012, Karen has been faculty in Health & Behavioral Sciences at University of Colorado Denver where she mentors PhD students and teaches undergraduate courses in Public Health and conduct research. 

Follow Karen for insights into the healthcare system, hospice care, and end-of-life research!

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Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media