Lessons Learned from Other Academies 10 Jan 2013
Background Academies have proliferated widely since Harvard, UCSF, Baylor (c. 2000) 36/122 schools in planning on one Different names, different characteristics
Four Characteristics 1. a mission that advances and supports educators 2. a membership composed of distinguished educators 3. a formal school-wide organizational structure with designated leadership 4. dedicated resources that fund mission- related initiatives Irby, et al. 2004
Purposes Honorary Recognize excellent teachers Mobilize expertise of members Mentoring Peer-review Improve education Foster leadership and innovation
Selectivity Different criteria for different institutions Teaching awards Scholarship Leadership Clarity in dimensions and standards What level of inclusivity/exclusivity?
Levels of Membership Multiple levels are the norm Basic level open to broad spectrum Advanced level with higher standards Membership may be term-limited or open-ended
Membership Benefits Recognition / title Access to resources (grants, expertise, staff, travel, etc.) Salary support Leadership opportunities Community (key benefit) Special interest groups
Membership Expectations Focused teaching roles Mentoring Advisory / leadership roles Peer-review of teaching, scholarship Participation in academy activities Other institutional needs in education
Sustaining the Academy Valued by institutional leaders Clear governance structure and succession planning Demonstrated service to the institution
Multiprofessional Existing Academies are seeking to broaden membership beyond medicine (MD and PhD) This is proving difficult – suspicions and legacies Regret not starting off as multi- professional
Miscellaneous Points Tie academy to philanthropy / development e.g. small grants program An “honor society” is an inadequate foundation May help recruit and retain faculty Can help address ACGME, LCME requirements
Miscellaneous Points Keep application process simple Evaluation of the academy is a frequent weak point An academy needs to continuously evolve to avoid ossification