Setting Fire to Social Harm and Injustice: Trainees’ Efforts at Professional Resistance Through Time

• In Event: Breaking Barriers: Surviving and Thriving in Professions Education

Abstract

Introduction: Researchers studying resistance focus on peak moments, suggesting resistors are constantly aroused. What is missing is the variable of time.
Methods: We conducted 2 interviews with 13 trainees and analyzed the data using holistic narrative analysis across time, followed by a cross-case analysis and restorying. We then contextualized the data using the metaphor of wildfires.
Results: When trainees experience transitions, their resistance is challenged. When given power, resistance is ablaze. With no power, resistance resembled a ‘zombie fire,’ smoldering quietly underfoot.
Discussion: The work of advocacy and resistance is extremely taxing. When trainees shift in contexts or subjectivity, they conserve energy and strategize their next move.

Authors

• Tasha R. Wyatt, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Emily Scarlett, Univformed Services University

• Vinayak Jain, University of Oklahoma

• TingLan Ma, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences