The Academic Medicine Handbook

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.

“Book covers just about every topic a new faculty member would want to know about, from finding a position, to writing case reports or designing studies, to getting promoted, to balancing personal and professional activities. … a resource for individuals starting a career in academic medicine and probably for senior residents who are considering such a career. … having it available in a departmental, school, or hospital library as a resource would be a benefit to the junior faculty.” (Steven L. Dubovsky, Academic Psychiatry, Vol. 38, 2014)

“This volume can serve as a guide to help an academic medicine faculty member to overcome obstacles, develop a plan for academic and professional challenges, and make life as a faculty member an engaging and appealing career pathway. … the topics in The Academic Medicine Handbook provide an interesting and compelling overview of what a faculty member needs to be thinking about to be successful in academic medicine in the midst of continually shifting paradigms.” (Patrick O. Smith, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 58 (49), December, 2013)

“It is a soup-to-nuts manual that gives academics in medicine a road map for how to excel. It covers the basics, with chapters on how to manage time, how to give a lecture and how to prepare the best curriculum vitae. … If you’re a young professional just beginning a career in academic medicine, here’s a bible to have along your bedside.” (Paul Costello, Scope scopeblog.stanford.edu, August, 2013)

“The book provides a much-needed, comprehensive guide that walks readers through steps that will help them achieve success in academic medicine. … It also could serve as a guide for graduate and medical students who may be interested in a career in academia. … It will prove to be a useful resource for any individual who wishes to go into academic medicine and achieve both professional and personal success.” (Schoen W. Kruse, Doody’s Book Reviews, July, 2013)

Dr. Roberts has published extensively on the issues of academic fulfillment and achievement, has a major name in the field as chief of psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School, and is the Editor-in-Chief of Academic Psychiatry.