Success in academic surgery requires a supportive environment, resources, self-direction, and commitment.  The final critical component to reduce the likelihood of academic failure is the development of a plan for success.  It has been stated, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

A formal faculty mentoring program should include all of the components critical for optimizing the opportunity for success.  The KU Department of Surgery is committed to the recruitment, retention, and promotion of those surgeons who have chosen academic surgery for their career.  Specifically, the goal of faculty development in the Department of Surgery is to aid new faculty in defining obligations and goals, and understanding responsibilities expected by the department and the School of Medicine.  The primary aim of the mentorships is to assist the faculty in the development of a successful academic career.

James H. Thomas, MD , FACS, RVT
Professor and Chair
Department of Surgery

Program Overview

Surgery Department On-Boarding Process for New Faculty

Once a prospective faculty candidate signs their offer letter accepting their appointment, they become "new faculty" and are encouraged to review immediately with the steps outlined by the School of Medicine's On-Boarding New Faculty program.  Shortly after the new faculty signed offer letter is received, someone within the department will e-mail the On-Boarding New Faculty link which identifies specific instructions required for the the terms of their appointment.  The forms will have instructions inserted under Department/Division Tasks which must be completed.

Department Mentoring Program

• How I Find a Mentor
  • Optional Record-keeping Tools for Mentoring Activity

   

Virtual Mentor

Our Virtual Mentor section is to be used like a directory of information. 

• Know Who's Who
  • Department Organizational Chart
    • Faculty Development & Mentoring Committee
    • Department and Campus Committees
  • Getting Ready to Practice Medicine
  • Getting Ready to Research
  • Getting Ready to Teach
  • SOM Faculty Governance

     

• The Path to Success
• Understanding the SOM Ranks & Tracks System
• Annual Assessment of Faculty Members (SOM Form)
• Promotion & Tenure
  • Where to Go for the Promotion & Tenure Guideline Information
  • Department P&T Guidelines
    • Steps to Follow for P& T Support from the Department
    • SOM Teaching Portfolio Guidelines NOTE: Understand the incorporation of teaching portfolios into the promotion and tenure process.
    • Department P&T Committee Member

• Helpful Information & Resources

  • Maintenance of Certification Q&A (pdf)

    • More info at American Board of Surgery
  • Organizations & Committees (departmental, KUMC, local and national)
  • Faculty Honors & Awards
  • Recognition for Mentoring

Events & Seminars

• Department Schedule for Grand Rounds and other lectures is sent via email or available from the office of the department chair.
• PDFA Training Events
  • Past Events: Slides, Videos and Handouts
• KUMC, KC & Lawrence Workshops for Researchers

4/22/2011