University of Groningen
Through the physician’s lens. A micro-level perspective on the structural adaptation of professional work
Gifford, Rachel
DOI:
10.33612/diss.172180526
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Publication date: 2021
Link to publication in University of Groningen/UMCG research database
Citation for published version (APA):
Gifford, R. (2021). Through the physician’s lens. A micro-level perspective on the structural adaptation of professional work. University of Groningen, SOM research school. https://doi.org/10.33612/diss.172180526
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
While the last four and a half years of my life have been dedicated to the completion of this thesis, this was certainly not a solo endeavor. This dissertation would not have been possible without the help and support of many people.
First, I would like to thank my supervisors, Eric Molleman and Taco van der Vaart, for their continued support and guidance throughout this process. It has been a joy to work together. Eric, you have continued to push me in the areas I needed to grow most, helping me to move past my blind spots and become a better researcher. Your critical eye and detail-oriented nature have helped me to become more structured and your approach to work-life balance has taught me important lessons as a junior researcher. I thank you sincerely for your continued support and understanding throughout these years.
Taco, you have made it easy for me to transition into this world of academia and have helped me grow into my role as a researcher, mentor and teacher. I appreciate the guidance and mentorship you have provided me in the last years. Our ‘feet on the table’ sessions always helped me to break through some of my most challenging theoretical puzzles. You always pushed me to consider the practical importance and meaning of our research, and this is an invaluable lesson that I will continue to carry with me throughout my research career. To my other colleagues and peers in the OB and OM department, thank you for your continued support and feedback on early stage work. I have learned a tremendous amount from your critical input and feedback. To my colleagues and fellow PhD students (who I am lucky enough to now call true friends- you know who you are) thank you for all the listening, consoling, cake eating, coffee breaks, beer drinking, way-too-late house parties, game nights, pub quizzes and for generally making this PhD one of the best experiences of my life. I will always remember these years fondly because of you. Also thank you to Adriana G. and Lotte for the nights spent commiserating, eating good food, and laughing, even in the midst of what were some challenging times. A special thanks to my German spirit animals Julia and Fabian who made the office like a second home, and who have been gracious enough to act as my paranymphs. Outside of this, Adriana O. & Bas, your friendship and support (and motivation to keep running, even on those cold, cold mornings) also helped to keep me sane throughout these last 4 years. It really takes a village, and your support, especially while I was home for long stretches made it possible for us to keep going.
I also would like to extend my gratitude to Trish Reay, who took an advisory role and
supervised me as a visiting PhD student. Your belief in me from a single email and skype call gave me the opportunity to visit a vibrant department and work with great scholars and students. Your advice has been invaluable, helping me to grow tremendously in my
theoretical knowledge and academic writing. I also extend my gratitude to the department of Strategic Management and Organization at the University of Alberta, and thank Royston Greenwood for his support and advice throughout my time in the department. Your energy and excitement for the topic always made me excited to get back to writing, and I am certain I will continue to think fondly of our many conversations throughout my career. Also, a big thanks to Maggie and Kylie for taking me under their wing and breaking me out of my apartment reading papers late at night to show me the best CA has to offer.
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Lastly, this thesis would not have been possible without my supportive family and friends. I thank you for all believing in me, even when I did not believe in myself. I thank my best friend, my sister Heather, for always championing me and encouraging me in what seemed sometimes like a hapless pursuit. I thank you especially for being a bright light and friend to laugh instead of cry with during those long days, weeks, and months spent in hospital rooms, waiting rooms, airplanes, taxis and hotels. In particular, I owe a great debt to my partner, Louis Powell, for sticking by my side and supporting me through what has been a difficult and challenging process. Your support means the world to me and I could not have done this without you. Lastly, I owe this all to my Father, who taught me the value of hard work and who was the epitome of strength, dedication, and support. You saw me better than anyone else ever will, and even when I wanted to quit, you knew that was never an option. You inspired me to find a way to do my part to make healthcare delivery better and because of you, I will dedicate my life to understand more about how and why things work, not only for my own benefit, but to make a real contribution in the world. Thank you for always
