The academic ladder: demystifying the promotion process

Abstract

A career in academic-based emergency medicine involves demonstrating scholarship, gaining knowledge, and providing education. Although the road may be long and difficult, at times sacrificing other non-academic interests, in the end, the benefits and impact of climbing the academic ladder, from Clinical Instructor to Professor, are numerous. While there may be nuances in the promotion and tenure process among academic institutions, criteria for promotion often involve achieving professional excellence in a combination of the following four mission areas: (1) Teaching and Learning, (2) Research and Creative Accomplishments, (3) Patient Care Activities, and (4) Service and the Scholarship of Service to the University, Society, and the Profession. Applications for promotion often include a narrative statement, external evaluations, patient/clinical care evaluations, representative pieces of scholarship, a curriculum vitae, and a dossier. Finally, I will discuss pearls for a successful academic career.