Creating a Program for Junior Faculty Professional Development: A Tool Kit

Abstract

Introduction: Junior academic faculty must balance increasing clinical responsibilities whilst maintaining academic portfolios aimed at promotion. Our goal was to design, implement, and evaluate a curriculum for career development amongst junior faculty in pediatrics. Methods: Following the Kern method of curriculum development, we performed a needs assessment of junior faculty via an electronic survey to identify areas for career development. We created objectives based on the themes identified and developed associated learning activities, including (1) a monthly seminar series, (2) an orientation day for new hires, and (3) a formal mentoring program for junior faculty. At the end of each academic year, we sent electronic surveys to junior faculty participants for program evaluation. Results: Of 50 junior faculty, 60% completed the initial needs assessment and identified a need for a forum for junior faculty orientation, career development, and formal mentoring. Local experts were solicited to create and lead a 10-part seminar series to cover topics such as CV review, promotions, and mentoring. Twenty-one junior faculty (42%) who did not already have established mentors joined the formal mentoring program. All incoming new junior faculty attended a formal orientation day held annually. At the end of the first year, a follow-up survey for program evaluation was completed by 17 (27%) junior faculty, and 98% reported satisfaction with the learning activities. Discussion: We successfully developed and implemented a junior faculty career development program at our institution that can be replicated at other institutions.