title: The leadership continuum: a framework for organizational and individual assessment relative to the advancement of women physicians and scientists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the United States, women have attained near gender equity at the entry stages in academic medicine; however, progress has been much slower at senior leadership levels. The paucity of women leaders inhibits the ability of academic medicine to adequately meet the needs of an increasingly diverse body of students, faculty, staff, and patients. Research indicates that until a critical mass of women with sustained success as leaders is achieved, it is unlikely that this deficit will be corrected.
  
  
  METHODS
  To promote the attainment of a critical mass of women leaders, the authors integrate two approaches to advancing women--the concept of a leadership continuum and a framework of practical approaches for moving toward gender equity at all ranks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An institutional guide is presented that can be used to promote dialogue about gender equity, noting areas of success and opportunities for additional improvement as well as an assessment of progress. A corresponding checklist has been developed that women faculty can use as a reflection guide for their career planning and to assess their position and progress along the leadership continuum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Proactive, ongoing use of these frameworks can promote reflective dialogue and provide direction and accountability for institutions working to advance women into leadership positions.
authors.affiliation: Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® Program for Women, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. page.morahan@drexelmed.edu
authors.forename: Page S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Morahan
authors.forename: Sally E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: Rosalyn C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Richman
authors.forename: Katharine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gleason
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D002322:Career Mobility; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D008486:Physician Executives / Q000193:education; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health