A career management program for basic science junior faculty

Abstract

A Career Management Program was implemented for new tenure track faculty (basic science and educator scholars) in a small community‐based medical school. The program was designed based on best practices in the literature to be a resource for faculty, complementing the mentoring provided by department chairs. Interactive panel presentations were led by senior faculty from basic science and allied health departments focusing on research, teaching, service, and strategic career planning. The basic science scholars also met as a cohort, with an experienced basic scientist to discuss specific issues raised in previous panel discussions. The program successfully completed year one with eleven junior faculty (five basic science) participating on a regular basis. The session evaluations resulted in 90% or higher for the value of the sessions and usefulness/transferability of the information to the participant's position and job responsibilities. This program demonstrates that a career management program can combine faculty from multiple tracks as long as they have opportunities to address career‐specific issues.Sponsored by the North Dakota Women's Health CORE, A National Center of Excellence in Women's Health Region VIII Demonstration Project, Elizabeth Burns, PI.