In the 21st century, academic medical centers across the United States continue to make scientific breakthroughs, to make improvements in patient care, and to p- vide the most advanced information and guidance in matters affecting public health. The signs of growth are everywhere—in new research buildings, new pa- nerships with industry, new forms of molecular medicine, and new sensitivity to the role of the human spirit in healing. This growth is due in large part to the dedication and productivity of our faculty, who are providing more patient care, more research, more teaching, and more community service than ever before. Today, there are roughly 135,000 physicians, scientists, and other faculty wo- ing at approximately 125 academic medical centers around the country. Increasingly, they are asked to do more with less. Since the 1990s, academic medical centers in the United States have lost the financial margin they once enjoyed, thereby putting new pressures on research, education, and clinical care. Medical school faculty, previously given funded time for teaching and research, are increasingly drafted to bring in clinical revenues to cover their salaries. Dedicated to the missions of research, teaching, and care, our faculty have responded well to these challenges and perform at a very high level. However, we are beginning to see the results of ongoing stress.

Attaining professional success and finding personal happiness in academic medicine is not an easy path, yet both are critical if the future is to be brighter through better science, better clinical care, better training, better responsiveness to communities, and better stewardship and leadership in the health professions. This concise, easy to read title consists of “mini” chapters intended as a resource to assist early- and middle-career physicians, clinicians, and scientists in understanding the unique mission of academic medicine and building creative, effective, and inspiring careers in academic health organizations. Organized in eight sections, the Guide covers such areas as finding your path in academic medicine, getting established at an institution, approaching work with colleagues, writing and reviewing manuscripts, conducting empirical research, developing administrative skills, advancing your academic career, and balancing your professional and personal life. Each chapter includes pointers and valuable career and “best practices” strategies in relation to the topic area. An exciting addition to the professional development literature, Achievement and Fulfillment in Academic Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to achieve a fulfilling career in academic medicine.

A penetrating and personal look at a major problem in our nation's medical schools affecting how doctoring is taught and how medicine is practiced

This first-of-its-kind book for underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities (URM), women, and sexual and gender minorities in medicine offers the core knowledge and skills needed to achieve a well-planned, fulfilling career in academic medicine. The knowledge and skills provided by the esteemed co-authors, successful diverse pre-faculty, and junior and senior academicians, are complemented by their inspirational and motivational stories. Increasing diversity in the academic medicine workforce has been identified and embraced as a core value of institutional excellence at nearly all academic institutions and professional associations. Despite this established core value, certain groups such as Black/African-American, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native-identified individuals, women, and sexual and gender minorities, are still present in lower proportions compared with the general population and lack inclusion. In 12 chapters and with a unique focus on a practical approach to increasing diversity and inclusion in academic medicine, this book demystifies the often-insular world of academic medicine. It comprehensively outlines career opportunities and associated responsibilities, how to transform academic-related work to scholarship, and offers a clear and transparent look into the academic appointment and promotion process. By focusing on the practical steps described in this handy book, students and residents can develop a strong foundation for an academic medicine career and succeed in becoming the next generation of diverse faculty and administrators.

This book increases undergraduate and graduate students' awareness of, interest in, and preparedness for academic health professions careers. It includes invaluable chapters that emphasize the importance of developing self-efficacy, knowledge, skills, and experiences not just for their resume but to build a foundation to strengthen students for the rest of their professional careers. The book provides the reader with basic information, tools, and a competitive edge through inspirational narratives from diverse graduate students and faculty, self-assessment exercises, and case-based discussion. These invaluable, authentic narratives will inspire, hearten, and encourage readers to pursue their health professional and academic careers confidently. Additionally, chapters outline the necessary tools for getting the most out of one's educational, research, service and leadership activities and optimize their competitiveness for graduate school and as pre-faculty. Unique, timely, and comprehensive, Health Professions and Academia provides undergraduate and graduate students with content to develop as competitive applicants to health-related graduate school and build a foundation from which they can establish successful careers in academia as future faculty, senior administrative leaders, and change agents.