Academic Advancement In Family Medicine: Moving from clinician to academic medicine Kurt B. Angstman, MS MD, Associate Professor Matthew R. Meunier, MD Assistant Professor Sara S. Oberhelman, MD Assistant Professor Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN STFM Round Table Discussion May 2014
Conflict of Interest Dr. Angstman does have a consulting agreement with Tamber Health. Tamber Health did not review or participate in development of abstract or presentation.
Why is this important?? Summer 2013: Dr. J. Noseworthy (Mayo Clinic CEO): “ALL Mayo physicians are expected to advance academically” We are all a part of an academic medical training center: It is part of the job.
Introduction Levels of academic advancement Progressing from instructor to assistant professor Development of publications Educational component Leadership component
Academic Rank Instructor – a promising beginning Assistant Professor – educational achievements: publications and/or “educational efforts” Associate Professor – national reputation, significant publications, effective teacher, institutional leader Professor – continuity of outstanding achievement and focus
Instructor of Family Medicine Academic promise in education, research, or practice Collaborate and find mentors Show interest and capability as a teacher (precept, curriculum or course development) Show interest and capability as a researcher (collaboration and publications)
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine Significant “educational achievements” and competence in either (or both): a) collaborative or independent publications or... b) sustained and significant educational efforts Clearly documented Lectures or curriculum design Teaching Posters or presentations (STFM, state chapter, etc.)
Development of publications Professor Nationally ~20-45 for family medicine Associate Professor ~10-25 publications Assistant Professor 1-5 publications
Publications Initially, the numbers can be daunting First paper can take months, if not over a year (or more). WHY…… CONTINUE…..
Publications Write about “what you are doing…” Look for projects based on what you know and are conversant in. DON’T re-create the wheel Every new project then requires new literature search and review DON’T initially plan on large, randomized controlled studies. Much simpler to start with chart reviews, database searches, pilot studies DO develop a template
Starting small FPIN Family Physicians Inquiries Network http://www.fpin.org/ FPIN Institute Educational program on reviewing literature, writing, etc. Directed educational process for early career writing
Starting small Case report studies Sometimes challenging to find appropriate journals Literature review Survey studies QI projects
Starting small Volunteer to be a co-author You do need to put some effort into it. Science is not just “copy editing” Best to add original input and some references Mentoring is good for mentor and mentee.
Starting small Guideline development In some institutions, peer-generated and reviewed guideline development can be used toward academic advancement Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (www.ICSI.org)
Publications Start small Ask others who are doing projects, papers if you can help- be a co-author Look for mentors DON’T be too choosy with journals Always peer-reviewed Impact factor is important But early in career- becoming experienced in the process is also important. Many, many journals to select from; all looking for content
Publications Plan on “singles” rather than swinging for the fences. One paper can change a career- but more likely you have smaller manuscripts that you keep building upon. Helps drive future direction “Science is not testing a hypothesis and getting a result- science is getting the result and saying “What now can I do with this information- what is the next study.” Sam B. MD/Phd Student at Mayo Remember to cite your prior work when appropriate
Presentations Again- start small, start local; gradually increasing size and impact of conferences At national forums Many times initially will be poster presentations Usually there are templates to help design the poster Conceptually, try to “tell your story” in the equivalent of 8- 10 power point slides Will be easier to develop presentations in the future- if you have a consistent track record of presenting and doing well in previous years Abstracts of papers can allow for presentation of ideas, critical discussion, meeting collaborators and improving your reputation through relationships
Presentation Skills Workshops helpful Practice/ Practice/ Practice Stage fright- consider beta blocker KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE Nothing worse than a presentation that is “canned” Always adapt the presentation to the conference needs Please be respectful of time limits
Educational Components Academic promotional consideration does involve an educational component You won’t be promoted for “doing your job”- you are a teacher, you’re expected to teach. But- signs of excellence- awards, certifications, longstanding dedication can be taken into account.
Educational Components Mentoring is key. Document in your CV
Leadership Components Usually is overlooked Society organizations Clinic roles County or state roles, committees. Document in your CV
VERY IMPORTANT YOU are not an expert in XYZ waiting to advance in academic rank YOU BECOME an expert over time by publications, presentations and reputation Many younger colleagues are stymied as they don’t see themselves as the expert– and they aren’t… yet
Questions?? THANK YOU! Dr. Kurt Angstman angstman.kurt@mayo.edu Dr. Matthew Meunier meunier.matthew@mayo.edu Dr. Sara Oberhelman oberhelma.sara@mayo.edu Department of Family Medicine Mayo Clinic Rochester MN