Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As part of the UC Davis Health Faculty Development and Diversity program, 18 interviews were conducted among faculty from the Schools of Health who self-identified as first-generation college graduates (“First Gen Health”). First Gen Health faculty told the story of their path to academic health and described significant factors and challenges in their success in becoming a faculty member. Qualitative analyses of de-identified interview transcripts were conducted to ascertain common experiences and themes. Findings from the first-generation project suggest common factors found across all interviews that influenced or continue to promote success among first generation faculty in attaining their career goals in academic health. In addition, several factors were also identified as challenges to achieve success (as defined by participants) throughout distinct stages of their career towards becoming faculty members.Findings from the UC Davis Schools of Health First Generation Faculty interviews suggest common factors that may influence or promote success among first generation faculty in attaining their career goals in academic health. These factors are categorized conceptually at the individual, social/community and infrastructure levels to best identify areas of potential impact and increase the use and application of these findings in academic settings such as UC Davis.