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Our teams are conducting multiple association- and foundation-funded studies on priority workforce issues, including specialty choice, burnout, telehealth, and team-based care. Findings from past studies have informed training models, mentorship programs, state policy advocacy, best practices, and tracking of social mission outcomes.
Current Studies
Completed Studies
Optimizing the Use of Medical Assistants in Primary Care
Overview: There is growing evidence that medical assistants (MAs) can play an important role in supporting primary care practices’ transition to team-based care, often resulting in improved quality of care, access to care, and productivity, as well as improved job satisfaction and reduced burnout. Much of the research on MAs to date has focused on individual health systems, with few studies examining variation in the scope of practice of MAs across primary care settings, including hospital-based ambulatory care, community health centers, and small primary care practices. This study was built on a planning phase grant, awarded to the New York Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (NYACH), the healthcare industry partnership of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development, to undergo a landscape analysis and inform the design of a potential research effort.
Related Products:
- Report: Medical Assistants in New York: Focus Group Findings
- Report: Survey Results: The Medical Assistant Role in Primary Care
- Report: Medical Assistant Training in New York: Landscape, Challenges, and Opportunities for Enhancement
Project Contact: Clese Erikson
Funder: New York Health Foundation (NYHealth)
Disclaimer: The views presented here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of NYHealth or its directors, officers, and staff.
Workforce Study of Hematology Physicians
Overview: This project analyzed trends affecting the U.S. hematology physician workforce, with a particular emphasis on identifying physicians practicing benign hematology. It examined specialty selection and career influences among hematology/oncology fellows, including how interest in a hematology-focused career evolves over time. The project also assessed the job market for newly trained hematologists and identified key factors expected to influence future workforce supply and demand.
Related Products:
- Masselink LE, Erikson CE, Connell NT, et al. Associations between Hematology/Oncology Fellows’ Training and Mentorship Experiences and Hematology-only Career Plans. Blood Adv. 2019;3(21):3278-3286.
- Butt A, Mankbadi M, Erikson C, et al. Bias Against International Medical Graduates in the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Recruitment Process: Findings From a Nationwide Survey of Fellowship Program Directors. JCO Oncol Pract. 2022;18(12):783-787.
- Lee AI, Masselink LE, De Castro LM, et al. Burnout in US Hematologists and Oncologists: Impact of Compensation Models and Advanced Practice Provider Support. Blood Adv. 2023;7(13):3058-3068.
- Marshall AL, Masselink LE, Kouides PA, et al. Advanced Practice Providers in Hematology: Actionable Findings from National Paired APP and Physician Surveys. Blood Adv. 2024 Mar 12;8(5):1179-1189. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011927. PMID: 38127271; PMCID: PMC10910059.
Project Contacts: Clese Erikson or Leah Masselink
Funder: American Society of Hematology
Advancing the Clinical Research Workforce
Overview: This was a Phase I qualitative study to better understand workforce challenges in clinical research and inform strategies to strengthen the field. The Mullan Institute co-developed a structured focus group guide with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and the Partners Advancing the Clinical Research Workforce Consortium, and led the implementation of in-person and virtual focus groups.
Project Contact: Clese Erikson
Funder: Association of Clinical Research Professionals