This qualitative exploratory study investigates the identity work of specializing physicians (SPs) in interprofessional (IP) teams, focusing on how they define their professional roles and relationships through the framework of positioning theory. The analysis is based on 65 self-reflective essays authored by SPs as part of their mandatory leadership training. The positioning analysis revealed five distinct physician roles—peer, coordinator, leader, medical expert, and decision-maker—and identified two key storylines describing teamwork: one emphasizing communication and the other highlighting organizational performance. The diversity of roles demonstrates the flexible and dynamic ways SPs integrate leadership into their professional identity. The findings suggest that future research should examine how SPs actively construct the dimensions of their professional identity, rather than merely confirming its presence.
