This work of fiction is part of a case study series developed by the Medical Physics Leadership Academy (MPLA). It is intended to facilitate the discussion of how students and advisors can better communicate expectations and navigate difficult conversations. In this case, a fourth-year Ph.D. student Emma learns that her advisor Dr. So is leaving the institution and has not arranged to bring any students with him. As Emma and Dr. So meet to discuss Emma's next steps, the conversation reveals misunderstandings and miscommunications of expectations, including a specific publication requirement for graduation from Dr. So. Having just learned of Dr. So's publication requirement, Emma realizes that graduating before the lab shuts down is not feasible. The intended use of this case, through group discussion or self-study, is to encourage readers to discuss the situation at hand and inspire professionalism and leadership thinking. This case study falls under the scope of and is supported by the MPLA, a committee in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM).
Keywords: MPLA; adaptability; case study; communication; conflict management; mentorship.
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, LLC on behalf of The American Association of Physicists in Medicine.