Scholarship for Promotion

Definition

Scholarship is defined as discovery with dissemination of findings or new systems. Discovery is a form of creativity. Examples of discovery and creativity include: research, both basic and clinical. However, discovery is not limited to traditional research. Discovery includes quality improvement, curricular development and advances in educational systems, health policy and management that can also be disseminated. Traditional mechanisms of dissemination include publication and presentation. Other non-traditional but still valid mechanisms of dissemination include impacting or influencing the adaptation by medical education professionals or institutions of discovered or new educational or health care systems information.

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Scholarship Issues

In his 1990 work, "Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate", Ernest Boyer asserts that "Scholarship is not an esoteric appendage, it is at the heart of what the profession is all about." In Boyer's view, weakening faculty commitment to scholarship "undermine[s] the graduate experience."

Rejecting a definition of scholarship limited simply to the process of research, publication and conveying this knowledge to students, Boyer advocates a broader definition - consisting of four essential elements:

1. The Scholarship of Discovery
   This is what we usually mean by "research." The Scholarship of Discovery contributes not only to the wealth of human knowledge but also to the intellectual climate of the University.
2. The Scholarship of Integration
   Integration attempts to give new insight to research by interpreting and drawing together information in light of the broader academic environment. This aspect of scholarship advocates connections across the disciplines.
3. The Scholarship of Application
   " The scholar asks, 'How can knowledge be responsibly applied to consequential problems? How can it be helpful to individuals as well as institutions?' And 'Can social problems themselves define an agenda for scholarly investigation?'"
4. The Scholarship of Teaching
   Scholarly teaching introduces students to the best values of academia. It helps facilitates comprehension and leads to a fuller, more active participation in society. Teachers must endeavor to be well informed in their field. Good teaching stimulates active learning and encourages students to be critical. As a result of good teaching, students embark on a lifetime of learning!

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Authorship

Assigning responsibility and giving credit for intellectual work constitutes good authorship practices. "Authorship is important to the reputation, academic promotion, and grant support of the individuals involved as well as to the strength and reputation of their institution." (1996 President and Fellows of Harvard College. Materials adapted from the paper version of Faculty Policies on Integrity in Science.)

An excellent link on this topic: http://hms.harvard.edu/content/integrity-academic-medicine

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Conflict of Interest

Conflict of Interest policies, disclosure form, Q&A, and related information are available on the Research Compliance web site.