1. Preparing the Perfect Package for Promotion: A Roadmap for Success
Alan Hauser
Chair, FSM APT Committee

2. A Road Map For Successful Preparation of a Promotion Package
Start
Promotion
A Road Map For Successful Preparation of a Promotion Package
Preparing promotion package

3. Sloppy promotion package
Polished promotion package

4. TIP “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Will Rogers
A polished promotion package reflects well on its author.
No typos, duplicated entries, etc.
Substance is the most important aspect of the promotion package, but “form” of the package (its presentation) can markedly enhance how it is reviewed.

5. CV Purpose: Provide a summary of the applicant’s accomplishments
Most important part of application
Follow format provided in template (but don’t be afraid to add unique things that you have accomplished)
Should be “living document”—start the day you are hired
Equivalent to abstract/specific aims page of grant

6. Provide specific details!

7. Review Responsibilities
Reviewed manuscripts for Critical Care Medicine
2008—present: ad hoc reviewer for Critical Care Medicine (approximately 3 manuscripts/year)

8. Grant Awards Bristol-Myers Squibb 12/1/2008 – 11/30/2013
New Pseudomonas aeruginosa Therapeutics
Bristol-Myers Squibb
12/1/2008 – 11/30/ $48,700
New Pseudomonas aeruginosa Therapeutics
Role: Co-investigator

9. TIP List grants that have been submitted
If a grant has been scored but a funding decision has not yet been made, list score.
Substance is the most important aspect of the promotion package, but “form” of the package (its presentation) can markedly enhance how it is reviewed.

10. Critical References
Purpose: Demonstrate the applicant’s contributions to the published literature
Middle-author on high impact paper  explain your contribution

11. Critical References
Committee members may not be familiar with your field -> tangible measures of impact are helpful
number of citations
clinical guidelines widely used in field

12. TIP
If some of your publications were highlighted in some way, note this.
Smith, A Lead in municipal drinking water is the cause of all cancers. Nature 1674:
Subject of editorial: Jones, E Nature 1674:299
Substance is the most important aspect of the promotion package, but “form” of the package (its presentation) can markedly enhance how it is reviewed.

13. Documentation of Teaching
Purpose: Provide a summary of the applicant’s contribution to teaching
List all types of teaching (including clinical service)
Highlight special achievements
Teaching award
Creation of a new course or course director
Award won by trainee

14. Provide Necessary Details
Mentored graduate students A. Smith and O. Jones
6/1/2008 – 11/30/2012 Primary research mentor for graduate student A. Smith
5/1/2011 – 8/1/ Served on thesis committee of graduate student O. Jones

15. Biographical Narrative
Purpose: Provide a narrative overview of the applicant’s accomplishments
Your chance to describe any extenuating circumstances that impacted your progress
E.g. “My lab was forced to relocate twice during my first six years at Northwestern, which delayed my research progress.”
Emphasize/explain specific contributions that otherwise might not be appreciated by the committee (e.g. clinical expertise)
List accomplishments that do not appear in other parts of the application

16. TIP Read others’ narratives; have them read yours
Substance is the most important aspect of the promotion package, but “form” of the package (its presentation) can markedly enhance how it is reviewed.

17. Referee List
Purpose: Provide suggestions for experts in the field who can evaluate the applicant
Referees who do not have a direct connection with the applicant (collaborator, personal friend) are given more weight.
It is viewed unfavorably if a sufficient number of letters are not obtained.
Each referee is asked if applicant would be awarded promotion at his/her institution.

18. TIP
Don’t forget to send in updates after your package has been submitted.
Substance is the most important aspect of the promotion package, but “form” of the package (its presentation) can markedly enhance how it is reviewed.

19. Summary
Pay attention to the details but don’t lose sight of the big picture: Regional, national, and international impact is critically important