1. Promotions on the Physician Scientist/Basic Science Investigator Track
Larry L. Swift, Ph.D.
Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs
Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology

2. Topics Academic Tracks
Basic Scientist/Physician Scientist Investigator Track
Procedures for Promotion
Criteria for Promotion
Promotion on the Research Track
Q&A – Discussion

3. Tripartite Mission at VUMC
Research
Education
Service

4. Faculty Tracks at VU Basic Science Educator/Clinician Educator
Basic Scientist Investigator/Physician Scientist Investigator (tenure track)
Clinical Practice
Research
Assistant in/Associate in

5. Basic Scientist/Physician Scientist Investigator Track
Faculty with major efforts in research or scholarship and teaching and dedicated to creation and dissemination of knowledge based upon original research
Research can be basic investigations of normal biologic processes or diseases, or translational or clinical research
Engaged in graduate biomedical or medical education

6. Overall Procedure
Promotion is initiated within the department by Chair with input from Division Chief, Mentoring Committee and review of Faculty Activity Reports
Dossier is assembled and reviewed by departmental A&P committee
Forwarded to Office of Faculty Affairs
Reviewed by School of Medicine A&P committee (FAPC)

7. Overall Procedure
Recommendation of FAPC is forwarded to Executive Committee of the Executive Faculty
Positive recommendations are forwarded to Dean of the School of Medicine
Dean forwards the recommendation to the Chancellor, who requests endorsement by the Board of Trust

8. Dossier Chair’s letter Standardized curriculum vitae
Educator Portfolio – documents teaching activities
Critical References Form:
List of publications (5) representing your most significant work
Describe the significance of the work and your contribution

9. Dossier Letters of Evaluation
Minimum of 6-8 letters from individuals who are not mentors or close colleagues and who can assess contributions from a national perspective
Unspecified number of letters from previous trainees, to document impact as an educator
All letters received must be submitted
If necessary Chair’s letter can be used to address any issues raised

10. Departmental A&P Committee
Consists of all tenured full-time faculty within the department
Agnes Fogo serves as chair
Reviews all appointments, reappointments, promotions and mentoring committee reports
Serves in an advisory role to the Chair

11. School of Medicine A&P Committee
10 committee members (Professor)
Diverse disciplines
Both tenure and non-tenured faculty
Ex officio: John Penn, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Meets bimonthly

12. Probationary Period to Tenure
Assistant Professors – evaluated and approved for tenure within 9 years of initial appointment
Awarding of tenure usually accompanies promotion to Associate Professor
Appointment renewals for Assistant Professors must include departmental statement affirming faculty member’s progress toward promotion and tenure

13. Criteria for Appointment to Tenured Rank of Associate Professor
Excellence in independent research, scholarship, or creative expression in one’s discipline
A high level of effectiveness in teaching
Satisfactory performance in the area of service to the institution

14. 1) Research, Scholarship or Creative Expression
Conduct of meritorious, independent and original research in a sustained fashion
Recognition by peers of quality of research as indicated by extramural funding
Attraction and training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows

15. 1) Research, Scholarship or Creative Expression, cont.
Membership on scientific and professional advisory committees at the national and international levels
Editorial activities and peer review for learned or scientific journals
Performance of patient care related activities in a manner that extends beyond routine management, characteristic of scholarly, creative clinician

16. 2) Effectiveness in Teaching
Teaching takes many forms
Lectures, small discussion groups, seminars
Supervision of students and postdoctoral trainees
In the laboratory research setting
In the clinical care setting
To meet tenure standards, candidates must demonstrate high level of effectiveness in at least one of these areas

17. Guidelines for Evaluation of Teaching
Record of courses taught over the past several years
Documentation of extent of non-classroom teaching, e.g., supervising trainees
Description of contributions made toward teaching goals of department/medical school
Role in developing and planning current and new courses or new approaches

18. Guidelines for Evaluation of Teaching
Evaluations of effectiveness as a teacher as assessed by students, graduates, house staff and peers
Invited participation in extramural teaching activities at regional, national and international levels (e.g., workshops, symposia, honorary lectures)
Awards and honors specifically recognizing teaching skills

19. 3) Service
Faculty members have obligations in such areas as internal governance, university outreach, and other services to the department, School, University and community
Contributions to professional and learned societies
Affiliations and contributions to non-profits (e.g. AHA, ADA, ACS, etc.)

20. Promotion on Research Track
Dossier consists of Chair’s letter and letter from Mentor, if appropriate.
Three letters (can all be internal) from faculty who are knowledgeable of the candidate’s accomplishments in research
Standardized Curriculum Vitae

21. Overall Procedure
Promotion is initiated within the department by Chair
Dossier is reviewed by departmental A&P committee
Chair forwards dossier to Office of Faculty Affairs
Promotion is approved by Dean Penn
Letter from Dean’s office is sent to Chair

22. Additional Information
Academic Track Overview Appointments and Promotions Promotion on the Investigator (Tenure) Track Educator Portfolio

23. ?QUESTIONS?