Trailing Spouse Syndrome

However, life might not be as easy for your partner: they may not speak English, their visa status may not allow them to work, they may have to navigate cultural shock, they may feel lost, homesick, lonely, bored or useless. Even if your spouse or partner agreed to quit their job, postpone their professional growth and be supportive of your dream, there is no guarantee life in the United States will go smoothly. There should be no shame or guilt if this ends up being the case, it is just one of the many risks of moving abroad.

Nevertheless, as challenging as it might be, helping your partner restore their sense of fulfillment and purpose is critical. It has been reported that inability to adapt to the new cultural environment by family members is a large contributor to expatriates’ assignment failure in the business world. The struggles an international partner experiences are described under the so-called Trailing Spouse Syndrome (TSS), including loss of identity, loneliness and lack of direction; TSS is something many international postdocs and their families might recognize.

The connection provided by other expat spouses can act as a friendly group therapy you or your partner might benefit from.

A Support Group Founded

Can we, the postdoctoral community, help those that have travelled so far to support us, to keep us happy, healthy, and grounded every day, by equipping them with a sense of community of their own? If you are an international postdoc with a partner at home and you live in or near Saint Louis, MI, you just hit the jackpot because that is where Susan Gobbo co-founded her amazing STL International Spouses Group. If you are anywhere else in the United States, this article may inspire you to search for, or create, a local support system of your own.

Susan Gobbo lived a large part of her adult life in Brazil as head of the ICU’s Physical Therapy Department at a major hospital. For over 15 years she treated patients, trained incoming physical therapists and published articles and book chapters. She was an accomplished and independent woman until one day in 2005 she became a “trailing spouse.” Gobbo describes how her family’s relocation to the United States turned her life upside-down: she was jobless, culturally shocked and spoke no English. Fortunately, these hurdles ignited the spark to launch a successful support group for other ex-pat partners.

Today, the SLT International Spouses Group provides a safe and welcoming space where over 500 spouses from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds can regain a sense of community while tackling daily-life problems. The connection provided by other expat spouses can act as a friendly group therapy you or your partner might benefit from. Chatting and getting together over meals is only part of the benefit provided to the members; since its origins in 2016, the group has also managed to grow significant connections with the local community that serve as a platform for true social, cultural and professional integration of its international members.

For example, in November 2017, Gobbo and Annie Schalfly, a passionate pair from St. Louis, created the International Mentoring Program that pairs local, American women to international spouses for cultural and professional mentorship aimed to assist integration into the local community. In 2018, Gobbo designed the Professional Shadowing Program, that provides experience-based familiarity with the U.S working environment to international spouses with work permits, allowing them to close the career gap. Furthermore, through sponsorship of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, a regional professional initiative promoting the hiring process for international spouses, and support of immigrant talents and entrepreneurship, the ex-pat spouses are connected to relevant local resources for personal and professional growth. So far, SLT International Spouses is a women-only group. Gobbo explains that, in her experience, this allows members to open up and express themselves more freely and is more inclusive to women of all backgrounds.

Members of the STL International Spouses Group at a social outing

An Example for Other Support Groups

Without a doubt, Gobbo’s story is testimony that wonderful things can emerge out of necessity, curiosity and perseverance. We encourage you to share it with your “trailing partner” and look around, there are most likely others nearby experiencing a similar situation that might be willing to join forces with you to start your own support group. Here are some informal tips that might help you and your significant other get the ball rolling:

• Keep communication open with your partner so they can feel comfortable discussing the difficulties they might be facing.
• Look in your area for international groups or societies. Even if there is not one specifically from your country of origin you could still find some connections that provide you and your spouse a sense of being at home.
• Suggest your spouse volunteer, or volunteer as a couple: it will help with integrating into the local community, improving language fluency, developing soft skills, and creating social and professional networking opportunities.
• Talk to international colleagues who have spouses; having the support of people going through similar situations can be invaluable.
• Talk to your American colleagues who might be be willing to host social activities, show you around, give advice, share the American perspective.
• Check with your PDA, PDO and global/international office, they might have resources to share and people to connect you with.

International spouses are more than just along for the ride, they are important to the success of our international postdocs therefore we should strive to provide our best supporters in our international postdocs endeavors with the support that they in turn need. We hope that this article inspires you to engage with expatriate researchers who have traveled with their partners; and that by so engaging we can improve the lives of postdocs and their spouses.

You can contact Susan Gobbo and the STL International Spouses Group at itspouses@gmail.com.

Andrea S. Pereyra, MD, PhD, is a postdoctoral scholar in the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC and is an International Officer at the NPA.

USAJobs, which refers to the United States Governmental Job Board, has been known to induce shudders among federal employees and government contractors alike. In fact, people often refer to USAJobs as a “Black Hole” because of the tendency for resumes to get sucked in without ever resurfacing. USAJobs has also gained notoriety for its rigidity, which tends to exclude qualified individuals from being referred to a hiring manager.

The supermassive black hole at the core of supergiant elliptical galaxy Messier 87, or an incredibly on-point metaphor for USAJobs (credit)

Fortunately, through my new network, I have learned a few tricks that may help job seekers escape the dreaded resume black hole and get their resumes into the hands of a hiring manager. If you are a scientist who is interested in a government career, I would like to offer the following pieces of advice to remember when confronting USAJobs for the first time:

• Use the Resume Builder to create your government resume: If you have never written a government resume, don’t panic; USAJobs has a built-in tool to ensure that your information is in the correct format. To create my federal resume, I entered the basic information using the Resume Builder, downloaded the PDF, and converted it into a Microsoft Word document to add additional sections later. Using this tool ensures that you include the required information about each of your previous positions such as the time in the position, your key duties and responsibilities, and your major accomplishments.
• Learn to use the search filters: Since USAJobs contains posts for all federal agencies, narrowing down positions suited to your expertise and education level is crucial. Most civilian federal jobs are classified based on the General Schedule (GS) system, which is determined by a combination of experience and educational level. For instance, obtaining a doctoral degree qualifies a candidate for most positions at the 11th level (GS-11), so postdocs looking for open positions should not look below this level. Also, USAJobs classifies positions using job series codes based on the area of expertise. For example, as someone who was performing program management work in the NIH extramural environment, I specifically targeted my search towards jobs with a series code of 0601 ("General Health Science").
• Pay attention to the language of the announcement: Although the Resume Builder may be used to create the basic format of your federal resume, it is important to tailor the content of your resume towards the job announcement. Unlike a private sector resume, USAJobs resumes generally do not have a page limit, but it is important to list the accomplishments and responsibilities that match the position description. For instance, if you are applying to be a scientific review officer, be sure to highlight your experience reviewing grant applications, manuscripts, and research presentations. If you cannot identify the keywords from the Job Duties or Qualifications sections that should be highlighted, use a word cloud generator! This tool will show you which words to use frequently when framing your accomplishments and responsibilities in your federal resume.
• Be generous with the questionnaire: Besides uploading your federal resume, you will also have to complete a questionnaire that is specific to the job that you are targeting. This questionnaire will ask you to rate your level of expertise with different tasks associated with the job vacancy. Although academic postdocs are trained to avoid overconfidence, it is crucial that you are NOT too hard on yourself when taking the questionnaire, because a low score could impact your ability to be referred to the hiring manager. Therefore, I encourage you all to remember that you should be comparing your level of expertise to the average layperson rather than the experts in your field. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 1.2 percent of the U.S. population has a doctoral degree. Therefore, remember that while you might underrate yourself, you are an expert in your field!
• Talk to the hiring manager: Postdocs are trained to withstand rejection, but learning that you did not make the certificate of eligible candidates (i.e. the “cert”) is never pleasant. To find out why you were not referred to the hiring manager, it is important to reach out to the human resources (HR) contact on the job announcement. A short email exchange with HR staff about your job application might reveal how you can improve your resume for future postings.
• Request an appeal if necessary: Furthermore, if you have reason to believe that you should have made the certificate of eligible candidates based on your combination of education and previous experience, you can always appeal the decision by requesting a formal reconsideration of qualifications to the HR contact. I actually underwent the formal reconsideration process when I was rated at a GS level below my qualifications. Upon a successful appeal, I ended up getting an offer at a higher grade than my initial offer. Although confronting HR reps might seem daunting, advocating for yourself during the job search will usually leave you in a much better position than before.

Your expertise and unique skill set are extremely valuable in the government sector.

While USAJobs appears daunting to those fresh out of academia, it is important to not let its intricacies hinder your dreams of public service. Remember to reach out to any contacts you might know who have obtained federal positions, have colleagues proofread your resume, and just keep applying! Your expertise and unique skill set are extremely valuable in the government sector, and if you can survive your dissertation defense, USAJobs should be just a small hurdle.

Stephanie M. Davis, Ph.D., is a 2019-2020 Executive Branch AAAS science and technology policy fellow and an associate editor for The POSTDOCket.

Before the conference:

1. Confirm your contact information

Make sure to check your full name and contact information, including the email address and phone number associated with your registration to make sure they are correct and that the registration information does not end up in your spam email folder. This ensures that you not only receive information about the NPA promptly but also opens possibilities for other participants to connect with you.

2. Mark your calendar for April 15-16 and prepare a space in your home or office

Review the conference schedule that will be posted to the NPA website and plan to attend sessions that align with your career goals. Download or print the materials for the sessions most attractive to you. Make sure to check for reminder emails before/during the week of the conference. Add dates and times for each interesting session to your calendar and set reminder alerts.

The selected speakers and panelists presenting at the conference are key experts in their fields. Reading about the speakers and formulating thoughtful questions in advance will help you to take advantage of the live sessions. If you find that your originally selected sessions do not meet your expectations, it is easy to switch gears in a virtual conference and join a different session, so consider having a backup plan for other sessions.

To truly be present in the experience, add an “out of office” message to your work email so you can fully invest your time at the conference. Do not forget to inform your family and colleagues that you will be attending this conference and have a dedicated space to avoid possible distractions. Most importantly, finish any other obligations ahead of time so you can relax when it is time for the conference.

3. Share the conference on social media and connect with others on event-specific forums/apps

Thanks to digital connection platforms, such as LinkedIn and Twitter, you can take another step forward to enhance your virtual conference experience. Sharing your plans to attend the virtual conference not only helps you receive the conference alerts while promoting the event but also helps you connect with individuals interested in attending the meeting. Also, connect using any NPA specific forums for attendees to help build your professional network during and after the conference.

4. Prepare your computer for the conference

While this may seem like a trivial piece of advice, it is important to check in advance that you are equipped with the necessary computer settings and are ready for a video conference. Make sure to download any required software and double-check that your computer is up-to-date to avoid software updates or connectivity issues during the conference. Should there be any disruptions, have a backup plan such as connecting with another device.

During the conference

5. Be an active participant and avoid distractions

While you do not have to completely disconnect from your other commitments, prioritize the time to be truly present at the virtual conference and engage in interactions and feedback. Avoid potential distractions from your furry friends or phone. Limit notifications that may pop up on your phone or computer and turn on your email autoresponder. Use interactive features, such as “raising your hand,” chats or polls during live sessions to stay engaged. Despite the fact that the session will most likely be recorded, make notes/highlights for future reference during the sessions to stay focused and remember key points. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to write down key takeaways and any follow-up questions that you may want to ask others or the speakers.

PROTIP: Travel to the right conference mindset by “dressing to impress,” signing up to volunteering at the conference (e.g., aiding with live sessions and networking events), and/or setting aside an entire day to devote to the events.

6. Virtual networking is possible

The NPA is working on taking advantage of all aspects of a virtual meeting, including providing outstanding networking events with the other participants and the speakers. Be sure to check the social media channels related to the conference through the hashtag #NPA2021AC and networking lounges (more information related to specific details will be provided in our upcoming article focused on networking events).

After the conference

7. Take advantage of recorded sessions

NPA is planning on recording the live sessions presented at the conference. If you missed a session, found that there were multiple sessions you were interested in occurring simultaneously, or would like to review one you have attended, these sessions will be available to watch even after the conference ends.

8. Follow-up after the conference

You may send a thank you email to the organizers or speakers. If you have any questions regarding a session you have attended, you should take advantage of the opportunity to connect with speakers post-conference. In addition, make sure to fill out/answer any evaluation surveys sent out after the end of the conference to provide feedback about what you liked or disliked about the conference.

BONUS TIP: Take a rest during the session breaks and most importantly, do not forget to have FUN at the virtual exhibit halls/expo!!! Pay it forward by sharing the skills and knowledge you have acquired with your colleagues and friends who were not able to attend the conference.

We are sure that our tips will help you make the most out of any virtual conference, though these tips have been tailored specifically for the NPA virtual conference.

Interested in serving as a volunteer? Please email the meetings committee at meetings@nationalpostdoc.org.

Lalitha Kurada, PhD, is a co-chair of the communications subcommittee and postdoctoral researcher at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (USUHS/DoD), Bethesda, MD.

Josh Henkin [two terms on Board of Directors, current role: treasurer]

My election to the NPA Board of Directors was the first role I served in for the NPA. I was immediately aware that I had joined a peer group of exceptional people. Months later I attended my first Annual Conference and was introduced to the friendly, energetic, and collaborative members that are the heart of the NPA. It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve in this role and I am most appreciative of the friendships and collaborations I have made. While my Board term lasted a wonderful six years and is now over, I know that these relationships will last much longer. Thank you all for this incredible experience.

Barbara Natalizio [two terms on Board of Directors, current role: chair]

I still remember the excitement that I felt upon returning home from my first NPA Annual Conference back in 2012. I had finally discovered what it meant to truly find a sense of belonging with an exceptional group of individuals sharing common interests and mutual passions. That inspired me to engage as a volunteer for the Outreach Committee, soon thereafter transitioning to committee leader. As I became more involved working with the NPA to improve the postdoctoral experience, I was ultimately elected to the Board. That was six years ago—and what a journey it has been! I cannot emphasize enough the tremendous personal and professional value that volunteering for the NPA provided for me. I’m profoundly grateful for all of the colleagues and friends that I’ve had the great fortune to meet along the way. Although my term with the Board ends this year, I look to the future with heartfelt optimism and joy as we welcome new leadership, both at the staff and Board levels, who will continue to inspire us as they champion the broader postdoctoral community. Thank you all for sharing this adventure with me.

Shakira Nelson [one term on Board of Directors, current role: chair of Development Committee]

Collectively, I have been a leader in the NPA for six years. I started as a leader in the Outreach Committee, and then became a member of the Board of Directors. It has been a pleasure working with everyone over the last six years, helping to push the mission and vision of the organization forward. I have made new connections, learned a lot, and have gotten to know more about the members we serve. The postdocs across the country, and around the world, are an exciting group to work with and work for. The work the NPA has done, and continues to do, will not only benefit the postdoctoral cohort, but will help it thrive. Being a part of that has been an honor, and I hope to continue building lasting relationships. Thank you for a great six years.

It is paramount that you understand how your medical plan operates so it works for you as intended, providing peace of mind and financial protection.

The ABCs of Healthcare

Let’s start with the nuts and bolts of health insurance coverage, those unfamiliar terms you may have come across when looking at benefit summaries or speaking with healthcare professionals.

• Deductible: A specific dollar amount that your health insurance company may require that you pay out-of-pocket each year before your health insurance plan begins to make payments for claims. Not all health insurance plans require a deductible.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum (AKA Payment Limit): Out-of-pocket maximums apply to all medical plans. This is the maximum amount you will pay for health care costs in a calendar year. Once you have reached the out-of-pocket maximum, the plan will fully cover most of your eligible medical expenses for the rest of the plan year.
• Coinsurance: The amount that you are required to pay for covered medical services after you've satisfied any copayment or deductible required by your health insurance plan. Coinsurance is typically a percentage of the charge for a service rendered by a healthcare provider. For example, if your insurance company covers 80 percent of the allowable charge for a specific service, you may be required to cover the remaining 20 percent as coinsurance.
• Copayment: A flat charge that your health insurance plan may require you to pay for a specific medical service or supply, also referred to as a "copay." For example, your health insurance plan may require a $20 copayment for an office visit or brand-name prescription drug, after which the insurance company pays the remainder of the charges.
• In-Network Provider: A healthcare professional, hospital or pharmacy that has a contractual relationship with your health insurance company. This contractual relationship typically establishes set charges for specific services. An out-of-network provider is a healthcare professional, hospital, or pharmacy that is NOT part of your health plan's network of preferred (in-network) providers. You will generally pay more for services received from out-of-network providers, in part because you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs that are considered above the “reasonable and customary” fees for your geographic area.
• Claim: A request by you or your health care provider for the insurance company to pay for medical services.
• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Medical Plan: HMO plans offer a wide range of health care services through a network of providers who agree to provide services to members at a pre-negotiated rate. As a member of an HMO, you are required to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who will provide most of your health care and refer you to HMO specialists as needed. Most HMO plans do not feature a deductible (though some do) and charge you flat amounts for services like hospitalization and outpatient surgery. Health care services obtained outside of the HMO plan’s network are typically not covered, though there may be exceptions in the case of an emergency.
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Medical Plan: A PPO plan allows you to access care through doctors that are in-network as well as out-of-network, but visiting in-network providers ensures that your claims are paid at the highest level. You will not be required to coordinate your care through a primary care physician, as you would with an HMO, and you are able to “self-refer” to specialists. PPO plans are often costlier than HMO plans but offer a greater level of freedom when accessing care.

But How Do I Use My Coverage?

Now that we’ve established what this insurance lingo means, let’s tackle the next hurdle; where and how to access care. The handy chart below can be used as a quick-reference guide if you find yourself wondering where to go for a certain illness, injury, etc.

Where Do I Access Care?
Type of Provider	Scenario	Type of Illness or Injury
Primary Care Physician (PCP) (Common under HMO plan)	You would like an annual wellness exams, or you are in moderate pain and you need to be diagnosed	General checkup, moderate pain of unknown origin, etc.
Specialist (Requires referral from PCP under HMO)	You are experiencing pain specific to a particular region of the body (i.e. muscular, gastrointestinal, ocular, bone/joint, skin, ears/nose/throat, etc.)	Ulcers, rash, digestive problems, vision problems, elevated levels of proteins/enzymes, etc.
Hospital	You need to have an inpatient or outpatient procedure performed, or you are in a critical health state	Delivering a baby, major/minor surgery, post-surgical recovery, monitoring of a critical health state, etc.
Walk-in Clinic	You need immediate/unscheduled treatment of non-emergency illnesses/injuries and or you are seeking certain immunizations	Vaccination, mild cold/flu, minor cuts/abrasions, etc.
Urgent Care (Alternative to ER)	You need treatment for a non-life-threatening emergency	Broken bones (but not multiple fractures), minor wounds (but not bleeding profusely), mild fever, flu, acute sinusitis, etc.
Emergency Room (ER)	You need treatment a life/limb-threatening emergency	Severe head trauma, multiple/compound fractures, heavy bleeding, elevated fever, severe burns, seizures, poison, etc.

A Word of Caution

It’s important to remember that your plan’s network greatly impacts to what extent your care is covered or, if you are enrolled in an HMO plan, whether your care is covered at all. Most insurance companies offer online provider directories that require three pieces of information to perform a search: the type of provider (doctor or facility) you’re looking for, your zip code, and the name of your plan or network. The type of provider and location are simple enough, but plans and networks can be tricky. Insurance companies can offer dozens of plans, leading to an overwhelming drop-down menu full of plan names that look extremely similar. You don’t want to choose a plan that looks “close enough” during the search process, assuming the results will be applicable, only to find out the provider you visited was not in your plan’s network after all. Always be certain you are selecting the appropriate plan and/or network when utilizing an online provider directory, and call the provider ahead of time to make sure they are still in the network; provider directories are not always up-to-date.

International Coverage

Though you may have international travel plans, don’t count on your domestic insurance plan to offer you comprehensive coverage while abroad. Most domestic plans only offer international coverage, if at all, for extreme emergencies - think imminent danger to your life and/or your limbs. Anything less severe and you’re on the hook for the total cost of the care. If you’re looking to travel and want, or need, more comprehensive coverage, you’ll want to purchase an international health plan from a reputable insurance company.

Get the Most out of Your Insurance

You and/or your university may be paying each month toward your and your family’s health insurance, making routine medical care affordable and offering protection against catastrophic medical expenses. We at Gallagher feel it is paramount that you understand how your medical plan operates so it works for you as intended, providing peace of mind and financial protection. That way, the next time you want or need to access care, you can have confidence in your coverage and focus on your health. Because at the end of the day, nothing is more important.

Disclaimer

Gallagher provides insurance, risk management and consultation services for our clients in response to both known and unknown risk exposures. When providing analysis and recommendations regarding potential insurance coverage, potential claims and/ or operational strategy in response to national emergencies (including health crises), we do so from an insurance/risk management perspective, and offer broad information about risk mitigation, loss control strategy and potential claim exposures. We have prepared this commentary and other news alerts for general informational purposes only and the material is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, legal or client-specific risk management advice. General insurance descriptions contained herein do not include complete insurance policy definitions, terms and/or conditions, and should not be relied on for coverage interpretation. The information may not include current governmental or insurance developments, is provided without knowledge of the individual recipient’s industry or specific business or coverage circumstances, and in no way reflects or promises to provide insurance coverage outcomes that only insurance carriers control.

Gallagher publications may contain links to non-Gallagher websites that are created and controlled by other organizations. We claim no responsibility for the content of any linked website, or any link contained therein. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Gallagher, as we have no responsibility for information referenced in material owned and controlled by other parties. Gallagher strongly encourages you to review any separate terms of use and privacy policies governing use of these third party websites and resources.

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