Faculty Factory

The Faculty Factory podcast is back this week with a deep exploration of academic promotions for clinicians as we interview Anne Walling, MB, ChB, who has written extensively about the topic. Her writings are based on her years of practical on-the-job experience with faculty. Dr. Walling is a professor emerita at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita in Wichita, Kansas and is the author of Academic Promotion for Clinicians: A Practical Guide to Promotion and Tenure in Medical Schools. She joins our show this week as a first-time guest to discuss the second edition of this book, along with exploring a variety of aspects related to promotions in academic medicine from many different angles. You can learn more about her book here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-84036-4

The five keys that will lead you toward a successful clinical education career are outlined in-depth this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, featuring our first-time guest, the amazing and encouraging Carla L. Spagnoletti, MD, MS. With the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr. Spagnoletti serves as Professor of Medicine and holds the George H. Taber Endowed Chair in General Internal Medicine. In addition, she is the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, the Associate Division Chief for Education in GIM, and the Associate Director of the Masters and Certificate Programs in Medical Education within the Institute for Clinical Research Education. The five tips that Dr. Spagnoletti encourages us to employ for building a successful clinical education career are as follows: Proactively develop your skills. Let your mission drive your career. Turn everyday work into scholarship. Face and embrace failure. Build and maintain relationships. Make sure to tune into today's episode for a deep dive on each of the five tips. You will also learn the story of how Dr. Spagnoletti's unique career journey led her to this wisdom.

Today's episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast explores strategies for embracing a new career challenge or retirement itself. This broadcast features a recording from a recent lecture led by Faculty Factory Podcast host Kimberly Skarupski, PhD, MPH. Dr. Skarupski is Associate Vice Provost, Leadership Development, in the Office of Faculty Affairs with UTMB Health in Galveston, Texas. She is a tenured Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics in the John Sealy School of Medicine and in the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public and Population Health. If you'd like to see the slides from the lecture that this podcast is based on, you can access them here. More Faculty Factory Resources: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

We're honored to have Janet Bickel, MA, join the Faculty Factory Podcast for the third time in our show's history this week. We're discussing the art of adaptability and how to hone it as a skill set to build a successful career in academic medicine. Janet is an acclaimed leadership and career development coach with more than five decades of experience in academic medicine and science. She started her academic career with Brown University's Medical School (now called The Warren Alpert Medical School) in 1972. Resources to Explore Academic Medicine Letter to the Editor: “Helping Medical Education Faculty Navigate a Post-Academic Landing Pad”: https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/citation/9900/helping_medical_education_faculty_navigate_a.1175.aspx Janet Bickel's Official Website: https://janetbickel.com/ Equip Your Inner Coach: Personal, Career and Leadership Development in an Uncertain Age: https://www.amazon.com/Equip-Your-Inner-Coach-Development/dp/B0BLFSRKG1 We're Put Here to Love: A Memoir with Poems: https://www.amazon.com/Were-Put-Here-Love-Memoir/dp/B0DDTK7NHM Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization (Leadership for the Common Good): https://www.amazon.com/Immunity-Change-Potential-Organization-Leadership/dp/1422117367 More Janet Bickel Interviews As mentioned above, this is Janet's third appearance on our podcast. You can revisit her first time joining us back in June 2019, when she shared with us 7 Crucial Books and Resources for Faculty Affairs Professionals. In March 2022, she joined us once again for a reunion episode, where we caught up with her to discuss what's new in her world of leadership and career development coaching since we last spoke. 

Patrick Louchouarn, PhD, is our inspiring guest on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. And speaking of inspiration, as discussed in this rich conversation, faculty members in general truly inspire Dr. Louchouarn with their creativity, engagement, and commitment to their profession. In fact, those who chose the path of academic health are particularly compelling to Dr. Louchouarn because much of their work is rooted in the fundamental question: “How can I improve health for others—individuals, communities, or through specific procedures like surgeries or prosthetics?” This mindset is quite extraordinary, and according to Dr. Louchouarn, it embodies maximum altruism. The one thing to be extra cautious about is that if we don't start conversations about purpose and core values, a disconnect may occur. The further we stray from the original motivation—the story of why someone chose to enter this particular health field—the greater that disconnect becomes, as discussed in this interview. With The Ohio State University in Columbus, he is a Leadership & Performance Coach and serves as Senior Vice Provost for Faculty within the Office of Academic Affairs. Additionally, he serves as a Professor in the School of Earth Sciences and is an affiliated faculty member with the Ohio State Sustainability Institute. Learn more: https://facultyfactory.org/  Further Reading What Got You Here Won't Get You There, book by Marshall Goldsmith The Prepared Leader: Emerge from Any Crisis More Resilient Than Before, book by Erika James and Lynn Perry Wooten

We've all heard of medical malpractice and its dire costs, but what about leadership malpractice? Should there be consequences or at least more resistance to those implementing non-evidence-based leadership tactics in academic medicine? Those questions and much more are explored in depth with our guest this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, author Joshua Hartzell, MD, MS-HPEd, FACP, FIDSA, who joins us to discuss: Leadership responsibility and development Cultural strategies from the military that could be woven into academic health Excellence through empathy and compassion Utilizing delegation as a growth opportunity for others With 25 years in military medicine under his belt, Dr. Hartzell is a retired army colonel and a practicing internal medicine and infectious diseases physician. It's all about being more intentional with how we lead and taking care of people—that is what a healthy workplace culture rides on, according to this interview with Dr. Hartzell. "Most of the things we experience and our challenges are not clinical care issues. It's a leadership issue. We're really good at the clinical care part, but not so much the messy leadership stuff and how to deal with that," he said. Learn More Explore his book, "A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership: Building a Culture of Compassion and Excellence": https://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Caring-Healthcare-Leadership-Compassion/dp/B0DSQ4276K Visit Faculty Factory: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

Today's episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast is about the need for strong leadership in the face of uncertainty. It features a recording from a recent lecture led by Faculty Factory Podcast host Kimberly Skarupski, PhD, MPH. If you'd like to see any visuals from the lecture, please visit our Faculty Factory YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/VxcRU1ZzGow  Dr. Skarupski is Associate Vice Provost, Leadership Development, in the Office of Faculty Affairs with UTMB Health in Galveston, Texas. She is a tenured Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics in the John Sealy School of Medicine and in the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public and Population Health. The talk explores strategies for staying grounded, communicating with clarity, and supporting your postdocs through uncertain times. This lecture has been edited and repurposed to provide a friendly podcast listening experience. Learn more about the Faculty Factory: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

According to our guest on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week, Binata Mukherjee, MD, MBA, “one must know thyself” before one can lead change. We are excited to have Dr. Mukherjee join our show this week as a first-time guest, and we anticipate that she will become a repeat Faculty Factory Podcast guest as her wisdom shines throughout today's discussion. At the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Dr. Mukherjee serves as Assistant Dean for Faculty and Professional Development in the Whiddon College of Medicine and is Associate Professor of Internal Medicine with USA Health. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor in Management and Director of Healthcare Leadership Initiatives in the Mitchell College of Business. Learn more: https://facultyfactory.org/Binata-Mukherjee 

Our return guest this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast is Adam D. Wolfe, MD, PhD. Dr. Wolfe shares with us some key communication strategies for better conflict resolution and team building, some of which can also assist with sharing life-altering information with patients in the clinic. The techniques outlined in this episode are designed to help prevent conflict and preserve interprofessional relationships when inevitable tensions arise. Dr. Wolfe is the Interim Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at CHRISTUS Children's, affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine in San Antonio, and is also the Associate Professor of Pediatrics and the Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program. Additionally, he serves as the Assistant Dean of Medical Education and holds the Jann L. Harrison Endowed Chair in Pediatric Graduate Medical Education. “If you start with goals, you can often end a lot of conflict by simply restating what it is you're all trying to accomplish,” Dr. Wolfe said. Not only do many of the strategies outlined in the interview work well with professional colleagues at work, but these same principles often apply to when you're talking to families in a clinical situation, as we learn in the latter stages of this interview. “Do whatever you can to preserve your interpersonal relationships. If you are in conflict, think about how you can preserve that relationship so that person can remain available to you and you can remain available to them… it's what makes this work rewarding,” Dr. Wolfe added. More Resources and Next Steps Visit FacultyFactory.org: https://facultyfactory.org/  Learn more about the GRPI Model of Team Effectiveness: https://www.aihr.com/blog/grpi-model/ Learn more about SPIKES for delivering bad news: https://healthcare.utah.edu/integrative-health/resiliency-center Listen to Dr. Wolfe's first appearance on the Faculty Factory here: https://facultyfactory.org/adam-wolfe/ Contact Dr Wolfe with questions here via email: Wolfe@bcm.edu You can also listen to the Dr. Ludy Shih episode that was mentioned in this interview titled “How to Make Meetings in Academic Medicine Work for You”: https://facultyfactory.org/meetings/

The topic of belonging and why it is so crucial to a healthy and high-functioning work environment within academic medicine is explored this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast with our esteemed return guest, Rakhee K. Bhayani, MD. Dr. Bhayani first joined our program in April 2022 for an episode covering career changes/pivots, identifying your purpose, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. You can revisit that discussion here: https://facultyfactory.org/rakhee-bhayani. She serves as Professor of Medicine and is the Vice Chair for Advancing Women's Careers in the Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "If we come to work and we have to specifically hide a part of who we are, that's mental energy and a tax that we're taking away from the work that we're doing,” she said. We welcome her back with open arms this week for an important and timely conversation on belonging's role in academic medicine and workplace culture. "Our goal is to help others feel comfortable and have that sense of safety, allowing them to bring their whole selves to work. This way, they can focus their energy on their work rather than expending mental energy on censoring parts of themselves to feel valued,” she added. Keep The Conversation Going Are you new to our show? Here are some similar Faculty Factory Podcasts to explore: Building a Sense of Belonging: A Faculty Factory Reunion with Heather Brod Identity Integration and Bringing Our Best Selves to Work with Jennifer Best, MD You can also find the full back catalog of the Faculty Factory Podcast here.  For feedback, questions, comments, and more information on how you can join the Faculty Factory as a guest, please visit our contact us homepage.

Claudia Hilton, PhD, MBA, OTR, FAOTA, makes her debut on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week, sharing her journey into systematic reviews and emphasizing the value they provide in promoting critical thinking and research skills among students, learners, and early-career faculty. Dr. Hilton serves as Professor and Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Health Professions in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Despite facing skepticism from peers about the practicality of systematic reviews with students, her persistence has led to the successful and innovative implementation of this approach over the years at UTMB. "I have had naysayers tell me that you can't do systematic reviews with students. However, we have already published about 20 of them. So I say, yes, we can, but there are certain things you need to consider to make it successful," Dr. Hilton said. Through Dr. Hilton's enthusiasm we celebrate the use of systematic reviews amongst learners in academia! We encourage listeners to consider integrating similar collaborative approaches in their own institutions. You can email Dr. Hilton to learn more: clhilton@UTMB.EDU. Visit Faculty Factory's homepage: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

Too often, poor leadership in academic medicine drives people apart rather than connecting them. With that in mind, we invite Nausheen Jamal, MD, MBA, to our Faculty Factory Podcast this week to share pearls of wisdom from her own experience in building a leadership strategy aimed at bringing people together. Dr. Jamal currently serves as Professor & Harry Carothers Wiess Chair in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. By specializing in the treatment of voice, swallowing, and airway disorders, Dr. Jamal addresses issues that hinder full communication. This makes it feel as though things are truly coming full circle as she shares insights on building community and connections in this chat.   We hope you learn from her story to gain insights that help you see beyond what is in front of you and achieve great satisfaction in your own future career journey. Other important dynamics we explore in this interview include: The art of engaging in a "flow" state of work as a faculty member. Change management and adjusting your communication style to a new audience. Delegating versus simply “dumping” a workload on colleagues. Engaging faculty in the development of important administrative items, like a leave policy. “What I learned is that I have to adjust my approach to change according to the culture that is going to have to endure or undergo that change," Dr. Jamal said candidly in this interview. Learn more: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

Eva Feldman, MD, PhD, joins us this week to examine recent research on individuals in academic medicine who felt unprepared for leadership responsibilities, and she helps us explore ways to better prepare faculty for success in those positions. With Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Dr. Feldman is the James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor and Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology. She also serves as Professor of Neurosurgery and is the Director of the NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies and the ALS Center of Excellence at Michigan Medicine. “I would say that my main takeaway is this: if you are a mid-level professional aspiring to a leadership position, seek a mentor and sponsor immediately, and ensure you are trained to be ready for that role,” Dr. Feldman told us. The article she co-authored, titled “Leadership Experiences and Perceptions of Mid-Career to Senior Clinician-Scientists: A Qualitative Exploration,” highlighted key leadership challenges and opportunities that we explore in-depth with Dr. Feldman in this interview. You can learn more about the report here: https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/abstract/9900/leadership_experiences_and_perceptions_of.877.aspx?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=amexpress&utm_content=newsletter You can also visit FacultyFactory.org here: https://facultyfactory.org/

The path toward finding a deeper meaning in providing patient care within academic medicine and the intangibles that make us human, such as vulnerability, passion, and post-traumatic growth, is explored in this week's edition of the Faculty Factory episode with our guest, Nicole Piemonte, PhD. Dr. Piemonte serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty Leadership and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medical Humanities at Creighton University School of Medicine-Phoenix in Arizona. She is also an author and a Certified Healthcare Leadership Coach. Through her own experiences with end-of-life care, coupled with her background in medical humanities, Dr. Piemonte shares her perspective on the ongoing challenges of how clinicians can engage authentically with vulnerability. Learn More: https://facultyfactory.org/nicole-piemonte 

The Faculty Factory Podcast invites first-time guest, Adam Wolfe, MD, PhD, to our show this week. He is the co-author of the article, “Put Yourself out There! A Strategy for Effective Self-Promotion in Academic Medicine,” which we examine in detail during this interview. “When it comes to non-clinical teaching, I really gravitate toward things like communication skills, breaking bad news, conflict resolution and self-promotion because those are things that I think are absent in a lot of formative curricula.” he said. Dr. Wolfe is the Interim Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at CHRISTUS Children's, affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine in San Antonio, and is also the Associate Professor of Pediatrics and the Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program. Additionally, he serves as the Assistant Dean of Medical Education and holds the Jann L. Harrison Endowed Chair in Pediatric Graduate Medical Education. More about his article: “Put Yourself out There! A Strategy for Effective Self-Promotion in Academic Medicine”:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11219085/  For feedback, questions, or comments, you can also visit the Faculty Factory website: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

According to our guest on this week's episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, John Heymann, MD, every academic medicine professional can bet big on two things: compassion and understanding. Dr. Heymann is a neuroradiologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where he serves as an Associate Professor in Radiology, as well as the Director of Residency Programs and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations. “Being angry all the time is not conducive to longevity, and I think a lot of that comes from misunderstanding other people and their mind states. Therefore, it's important to be mindful and practice compassion,” Dr. Heymann said. It truly might be time to double down on compassion. Understanding is at the core of compassion, as we learn in this discussion, and both elements are necessary for compassion to manifest. The bottom line is that how we interact with one another and recognize each other's challenges is an essential part of our mental health and well-being. Visit the Faculty Factory website for more resources:  https://facultyfactory.org/

The journey to attain and hold on to wellness and joy, as it pertains to the rich opportunities and sacrifices of a career in academic medicine, is brought to the forefront in this week's edition of the Faculty Factory Podcast with our guest, Michelle Moore, PsyD, ABPP. Dr. Moore is an Associate Professor with a dual appointment in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where she also serves as Chief of Psychology and Director of Faculty Development for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Her personal experiences in striving for sustainable wellness and overcoming obstacles are outlined in her recently published memoir, "Sustainable Wellness: A Memoir of Loss, Perseverance, and Resilience," which you can learn more about on Amazon. You can also reach her directly at mbacon@lsuhsc.edu.

Join us for today's engaging episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, featuring our returning guest, Brian Clyne, MD, MHL. In this episode, we explore key guidance for early-career physicians and faculty in academic medicine through the lens of a coach. Dr. Clyne is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University where he also serves as Vice Chair for Education. It is often a complex journey we face when transitioning from medical training to clinical practice, with some of those unique challenges explored throughout this conversation. Coaching, Self-Awareness, Values, and Goals                                                                                                 Dr. Clyne highlighted a significant trend in the opening moments of the interview: an increasing number of early-career physicians are turning to coaching to navigate feelings of uncertainty and redefine their professional identities outside the structured milestones of medical education. This reflects the confusion many feel as they shift from a system with clear guidance to one where they must carve their own paths and establish internal definitions of success. Self-awareness and understanding one's personal values are essential throughout your career, but this is increasingly true during times of transition or uncertainty. Coaching facilitates critical thought and assists individuals in exploring their goals and underlying values, leading to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Keep the Conversation Going You can listen to Dr. Clyne's previous visit with us here at the Faculty Factory Podcast, as he joined us for episode no. 191, entitled 'Finding Focus, Collaborators, and Mentors for Accelerating Scholarly Productivity': https://facultyfactory.org/brian-clyne/.  You can contact Dr. Clyne here: brian.clyne@brownphysicians.org and the Faculty Factory website is here: https://facultyfactory.org/

In this week's enlightening episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, we explore finding satisfaction in our careers. We discuss how we measure and perceive this satisfaction, as well as examine its connection to success—or the lack thereof. Joining us for this introspective discussion is our first-time guest, Brian Downer, PhD. With the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Dr. Downer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities in the School of Public and Population Health. He is also the Director of the Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program and a Program Director for Population Health Sciences Program. Dr. Downer is a Gerontologist by training. If you would like to read the article referenced by Dr. Downer in this podcast, you can find the 2023 article from the Harvard Business Review titled "Why Success Doesn't Lead to Satisfaction" here: https://hbr.org/2023/01/why-success-doesnt-lead-to-satisfaction. Where does satisfaction start? Perhaps with a shift in your mindset, as we learn from Dr. Downer and the article he references above throughout today's conversation. As outlined in this podcast, that mindset shift is about finding satisfaction “because,” not “when.” Essentially, if you wait until you achieve something to believe that you will derive satisfaction from it, that fulfillment may never come, or it may be very short-lived, leaving you wanting so much more. Finding joy in the journey, rather than in the destination, can be the key to achieving the satisfaction that you might otherwise find missing as your career milestones, laurels, achievements, and “successes” accumulate. How to go about capturing that joy is at the heart of this discussion. Visit the Faculty Factory website for more resources: https://facultyfactory.org/.

This week's Faculty Factory Podcast episode is dedicated to exploring interprofessional collaboration and team science with our distinguished return guest, Wendy Ward, PhD, ABPP, FAPA. Dr. Ward is a pediatric psychologist and serves as Associate Provost and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. Additionally, she is the Director of Interprofessional Faculty Development at UAMS. As mentioned in the opening moments of today's interview, Dr. Ward joined us for a podcast interview in 2020 regarding Interprofessional Education (IPE), which provides a complementary resource to today's discussion. You can access that interview here: https://facultyfactory.org/interprofessional-faculty-development-with-wendy-ward-phd-abpp-fapa/. Team building in our field is essential because different perspectives tend to solve difficult problems more effectively. In the world of academic medicine, we face massive hurdles coming in many different forms that need to be surmounted on a daily basis. It really is that simple. Not only will this interprofessional approach set us on the path toward stronger healthcare outcomes, but it also helps secure better research funding opportunities, as pointed out by Dr. Ward. “We want to connect effective team-based practice with healthcare outcomes or, in the research arena, with securing larger grants,” Dr. Ward said. Learn More We applaud Dr. Ward for her continuous and robust contributions to the Faculty Factory over the years. If you would like to get in touch with her to learn more, you can email her directly at WWard@uams.edu. In case you missed it, Dr. Ward also joined us last week for an episode covering leadership skills in academic health centers, which you can find here: https://facultyfactory.org/leadership-skills/.

A frequent contributor to the Faculty Factory Podcast is back this week for another one of her trademark episodes that will leave you wanting more. Wendy Ward, PhD, ABPP, FAPA, returns as we discuss many aspects of developing leadership skills in academic health centers. Even if you never entered the profession intending to take on a formal leadership position, Dr. Ward's tutelage will help you adopt the right mindset should that opportunity unexpectedly arise, as it often does in academic medicine settings. Dr. Ward is a pediatric psychologist and serves as Associate Provost and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. At UAMS, she also serves as the Director of Interprofessional Faculty Development. As mentioned in this interview, Dr. Ward is a significant contributor to our book, The Academic Medicine Starter Kit, which you can read and download for free here: https://facultyfactory.org/ebook/#starterkit. Visit FacultyFactory.org for more resources: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

Michael A. Barone, MD, MPH, President and CEO of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), is our guest for this week's memorable edition of the Faculty Factory Podcast. His background in academic medicine and passion for all three pillars of its tripartite mission (clinical care, education, and research) have equipped him for success in many environments, including his time with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). He settled into his role as ABP CEO in early 2024. Curiosity and a Love of the Tripartite Mission Curiosity and his love of education helped set the stage for him to leave a more traditional faculty career path in pursuit of broader opportunities. Dr. Barone discusses the importance of curiosity in his professional growth throughout this interview. “I gravitated to academic medicine just because it fed something a little bit different in me,” he told us. As a board-certified pediatrician and associate professor with Johns Hopkins Medicine, he immersed himself in a culture of inquiry and innovation, laying a strong foundation for his career. With the NBME, he helped oversee the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) program and other vital initiatives. “That was a great honor and a great responsibility to oversee the US Medical Licensing Examination program,” he said. Transitions: Building Trust in New Environments Throughout this podcast, Dr. Barone discussed the interplay of curiosity and trust, as well as the occasional feelings of imposter syndrome that accompany new roles. He strongly recommends finding time to read The Thin Book of Trust, which you can learn more about here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770101/the-thin-book-of-trust-third-edition-by-charles-feltman/.

This week, the Faculty Factory Podcast sits down with David J. Skorton, MD, to explore his remarkable journey, filled with insights on leadership, mentorship, and the value of a continuous learning mindset—themes that resonate throughout the interview. Dr. Skorton is the current President and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), serving professionals throughout the world. Alongside these values, Dr. Skorton's rich background in science, music, and education has aided him throughout his journey in navigating the complexities of academic medicine and leadership. Initially aspiring to be a session musician, his father's insistence on pursuing a college education set him on a trajectory that eventually led him to medical school. He emphasized the importance of learning from all individuals, regardless of their formal titles, telling us, "Mentors come in all shapes and sizes."  A core theme that emerged from the podcast was the concept of embracing a "beginner's mind." Drawing from Zen philosophy, Dr. Skorton reminded listeners that, "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind, there are few." In the interview's closing moments, Dr. Skorton reflects on handling difficult decisions as a leader. He advises us all to remain open and adaptable, recognizing that no one leader can possess all the answers. By valuing collective wisdom and carrying an open mind to learn from everything and anyone, you may just wind up achieving goals that are otherwise unimaginable. Learn More Faculty Factory Website. The AAMC - Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA) Website. As mentioned in this episode, Darrell G. Kirch, MD, President and CEO of the Association of AAMC from 2006 to 2019, joined our show in 2024, and you can listen to that interview here: https://facultyfactory.org/darrell-kirch/.

When a leader in academic medicine reaches the pinnacle of their profession yet seeks new challenges, a world of opportunities awaits. This week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, our esteemed guest Paul Rothman, MD, shares his journey with us. Dr. Rothman previously served as Dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Before that, he was the Dean of the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa. Like many in this field, Dr. Rothman's career path features recurring themes of serendipity, blended with a dedication to mentorship (both receiving it and paying it forward), along with his trademark curiosity. After fulfilling his term at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Rothman's new chapter included a stimulating return to the bench on sabbatical, diving into genome editing and further strengthening his lifelong enthusiasm for research and discovery. This opportunity was not available to him while he was engulfed in years of strategic work while leading some of the world's most prestigious medical institutions. Dr. Rothman now channels his energy into a mix of leisure activities at his home among the hills of Colorado, along with work in venture capital, mentoring, and board responsibilities. All of these activities have helped him ensure he strikes that always elusive work/life balance while continuing to make a significant impact on healthcare and society. Learn More You can visit more podcasts specific to retirement and late-career journeys in academic medicine: https://facultyfactory.org/podcast-topics/#retirement Make sure to revisit our interview entitled, Considerations for Starting a Research Career as a Physician with Myron Weisfeldt, MD, which was referenced in today's discussion on fundraising and relationship building:  https://facultyfactory.org/myron-weisfeldt/

As a faculty member and leader at your academic institution, decisiveness may not be a character trait you are known for. It is often not enjoyable to make a transition, or even start the process, but once you find yourself on the other side of that decision, you might just be forever grateful.  With all of this in mind, there is a strategic approach to making transitions that our guest, Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, walks us through this week as a first-time guest on our Faculty Factory Podcast. Since August 2023, Dr. Reiser has served as the President of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and CEO of the UTMB Health System. He is a professor in the John Sealy School of Medicine and is the John D. Stobo, MD Distinguished Chair. In today's podcast, we discuss how 2025 marks a year of transition for both the show and our host, Kimberly A. Skarupski, PhD, MPH, who has been with the Faculty Factory since day one.  She shares her journey moving to UTMB and reflects on the wonderful support she has received from Johns Hopkins Medicine and now UTMB for this podcast and our community. This watershed episode highlights a significant moment for our show, which has been thriving for six years and counting thanks to our wonderful guests and supportive institutions.  So much of this conversation about navigating a pending transition starts with recognizing your own “true north.” As stated in this podcast, we need to pause and determine this “true north” if we haven't already made it an inflexible part of our values that guides our decisions.  “You need to ask yourself from time to time: look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Is this the place where I still want to be part of this mission?” Dr. Reiser said. He went on to remind us to be honest with ourselves. If the answer is “no” or if you are unsure, then it is time to take a serious look at what your options are for a significant transition.  Further advice shared in this week's conversation includes taking advantage of the rich ecosystems that academic institutions offer, as they will help guide you in making tough choices about transitions. Visit our website: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

On this week's Faculty Factory Podcast, we're featuring clips and snippets from some of the best leadership conversations we've had over the six-year lifespan of this show.   This is the final part of a three-part best of the Faculty Factory series on leadership discussions. You can catch up on the first part here: https://facultyfactory.org/conversations-on-leadership/ And Part 2 of this leadership podcast series can be found here: https://facultyfactory.org/leadership-part-2/ As a friendly programming reminder, we will be back on January 3, 2025, with a brand-new episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast!  This week's “Best of” show includes highlights, snippets and clips from the following episodes (appearing in order): Exploring Leadership Competencies in Academic Medicine with Kimberly A. Skarupski, PhD, MPH Identifying Leadership Competencies at your Academic Institution with Kathy Forbush MBA and MS Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Unlocking Leadership Potential with Farzana Hoque, MD, MRCP, FACP, FRCP About Our Speakers/Guests Kimberly A. Skarupski, PhD, MPH Dr. Skarupski has hosted the Faculty Factory Podcast since its debut in 2019. She is a sociologist and gerontologist by training and has been practicing faculty development for nearly two decades. Kathy Forbush MBA and MS Kathy is the Executive Director for HR-Talent Management at Johns Hopkins University, and in this role is responsible for leading the talent acquisition, learning and organization development functions for the entire university. Kathy has spent over 20 years working in HR, Learning, and Organization Development roles with clients of various functional disciplines in diverse organizations and industries. Farzana Hoque, MD, MRCP, FACP, FRCP Dr. Hoque is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine and the Co-Director of the Medicine Acting Internship at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She also serves as the inaugural Medical Director of Bordley Tower at SSM Health, Saint Louis University Hospital, and she is President of the Society of Hospital Medicine's St. Louis Chapter.

On this week's Faculty Factory Podcast, we're featuring clips and snippets from some of the best leadership conversations we've had over the six-year lifespan of this show.    This is part two of a three-part best of the Faculty Factory series on leadership discussions. You can catch up on the first part here: https://facultyfactory.org/conversations-on-leadership/ As a friendly programming reminder, we will be back on January 3, 2025, with a brand-new episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast!  This week's “Best of” show includes highlights, snippets and clips from the following episodes (appearing in order): A Leadership Roadmap for Faculty with Jennifer Lee, MD Key Factors to Consider When Shifting to a New Leadership Role with Maria Oliva-Hemker, MD Identifying (and Fixing) Where Faculty Struggle with Leadership with Kathy Forbush MBA and MS About Our Guests Jennifer Lee, MD Dr. Lee serves as Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) and Pediatrics. She is also Associate Vice-Chair for Faculty Affairs and Development in ACCM with Johns Hopkins Medicine. Maria Oliva-Hemker, MD Dr. Oliva-Hemker currently serves as the Vice Dean for Faculty at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the Stermer Family Professor of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Simply put, without Dr. Oliva-Hemker's support this podcast wouldn't be possible. We sincerely thank her for that continued support of our podcast, this companion website, and all its resources. Kathy Forbush MBA and MS Kathy is the Executive Director for HR-Talent Management at Johns Hopkins University, and in this role is responsible for leading the talent acquisition, learning and organization development functions for the entire university. Kathy has spent over 20 years working in HR, Learning, and Organization Development roles with clients of various functional disciplines in diverse organizations and industries.

Making an impressive debut on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week is John Paul Sánchez, MD, MPH, who shares his passion and joy for harnessing diversity while helping to carve a path forward for building successful generations of academic physicians for years to come. Dr. Sánchez currently serves as the Dean of the Universidad Central Del Caribe (UCC) School of Medicine in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a position he has held since January 2024. Before joining UCC, he held positions as an educator and senior administrative leader at Health and Health Sciences of the University of New Mexico (UNM).  Additionally, he is the co-founder of the Building the Next Generation of Academic Physicians initiative, which you can learn about here: https://bngap.org/.  Throughout the interview, Dr. Sánchez highlights the unique blend of culture and bilingualism that characterizes medical education in Puerto Rico, equipping learners to better serve diverse patient populations. Dr. Sánchez also addresses the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in academia, noting that many students lose interest in academic careers during medical school and residency. He stresses the importance of role models and creating supportive environments that reflect the diverse patient population they serve.   Dr. Sánchez is also an author who has written two books, as discussed in today's interview, those books include:  Health Professions and Academia: How to Begin Your Career Succeeding in Academic Medicine: A Roadmap for Diverse Medical Students and Residents More Faculty Factory Resources: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

Dulce M. Cruz, MD, FAAHPM, AGSF, joins the Faculty Factory this week to discuss an innovative, one-of-a-kind approach to supporting and educating hospice family caregivers through a video series that offers practical advice and emotional support. At Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Dr. Cruz serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, in the Section of Palliative Medicine. Her groundbreaking work in palliative care for Latino family caregivers began with identifying a significant need for support among these caregivers, leading her to create engaging educational videos in the form of telenovelas, designed to resonate with pop culture lovers while delivering a powerful educational message. Once you hear Dr. Cruz's commitment to executing this idea, including teaching herself video production, we are confident you will leave the discussion inspired. This approach to problem-solving is sure to spark new ideas on how we can better serve others in our community of academic medicine professionals, as we are a group especially equipped to learn on the fly in pursuit of accomplishing gargantuan tasks. Learn More You can contact Dr. Cruz via Email: dcruzoli@jhmi.edu. Watch Caregivers Like Me (English Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck6Bs1T2Zck Cuidadores Como Yo Caregivers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=HXF-F-apTCc

As mentioned in the beginning of this week's podcast, the Faculty Leadership Collaborative: Early-Career Bootcamp starts in January 2025! Designed for early-career faculty (instructors or assistant professors with less than five years at rank), this three-day bootcamp provides overviews of key leadership competency areas, developed and delivered BY faculty members in academic health FOR early-career faculty members in academic health. Learn more & Register here. About This Week's Podcast Today's episode of the Faculty Factory is a “Best of” show that includes highlights from past interviews of our show regarding leadership. As a friendly programming reminder, we will be back next Friday with a brand new episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast! Today's “Best of” show includes highlights, snippets and clips from the following episodes (appearing in order): A Faculty Factory Interview with Troy Buer, PhD Ten Tips for Building Leadership Skills with Wendy Ward, PhD, ABPP, FAPA Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Roles in Academia with Cynthia Rand, PhD

Myron "Mike" Weisfeldt, MD, joins our Faculty Factory Podcast this week to talk about the keys to starting a research career as a physician. This interview also includes a brief introduction to the fundraising/development factors that researchers should consider when looking to maximize their impact throughout their careers. Dr. Weisfeldt is a Professor of Medicine and a Medical Consultant for Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures. As a cardiologist, he previously served as the William Osler Professor of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is also a former president of the American Heart Association, bringing decades of senior management experience and passion to today's discussion. As we learn in the opening moments of this interview, it could be important for those looking to embark on this journey to decide early on whether they want to pursue an MD/PhD or start with the “MD track” and incorporate research into their careers along the way. Learn More: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

On this week's episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, we discuss what it means to be a compassionate leader through authenticity, along with general pearls of wisdom that we know will leave you inspired by our first-time guest, Keshia Pollack Porter, PhD. Dr. Pollack Porter is the Chair and Bloomberg Centennial Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. She is internationally known for her work in social determinants of health, health equity, and promoting safe environments. As we learn throughout today's broadcast, compassion is the hallmark of Dr. Pollack Porter's leadership style. With a rich background in injury epidemiology and faculty development, Dr. Pollack Porter joins our show to highlight the importance of showing your “human side” when leading faculty members. This approach will have undeniable ripple effects throughout your institution and culture, especially among those in the early stages of their careers. As the chair of the department, it's easy to lose sight of the things that “make us human” or “make us whole,” such as family, friends, hobbies, and community involvement. It might be time for many of us to take pause and revisit the importance of these activities as we build meaningful lives and find ways to adjust what may have previously been a rigid, inflexible routine. Although it often feels that our whole life revolves around work, as Dr. Pollack Porter points out, “I truly believe my purpose is not to have my job be my full identity.” She expounds on this approach with wisdom and encouragement throughout this very special and timely discussion on compassion, leadership, and finding balance between professional responsibilities and personal fulfillment. Learn more: https://facultyfactory.org/

Kathy Forbush, MBA and MS, returns to the Faculty Factory Podcast this week to discuss identifying leadership competencies among faculty within the academic medicine community and beyond, offering insights applicable to professionals at any stage of their careers. Building on our previous discussion from 2023, Kathy shares the process of updating JHU's leadership competency model to be more inclusive and reflective of shifting needs.  She is the Executive Director for HR-Talent Management at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), where she is responsible for conducting talent acquisition and leading learning and organization development functions for JHU.  The last time she joined us was in September 2023 for an interview titled “Identifying (and Fixing) Where Faculty Struggle with Leadership,” which you can revisit here: https://facultyfactory.org/leadership-struggles/.  You can learn more about her recent article that she co-authored with colleagues in the Journal of Healthcare Leadership, entitled “Inspiring and Preparing Our Future Leaders: Evaluating the Impact of the Early Career Women's Leadership Program,” here: https://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=94680. Learn more about the Faculty Factory: https://facultyfactory.org/.

Transitioning to a life after full-time faculty work without losing your identity is what we're discussing with our guest Darrell G. Kirch, MD, on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. Dr. Kirch has an formidable ability to lead and build teams having served as the President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) from 2006 to 2019. He is an educator, biomedical scientist, clinical neuroscientist, clinician, and psychiatrist. He has held several major leadership positions at academic medicine institutions throughout North America and beyond. We are honored to call Dr. Kirch “a friend of our show” and he previously joined us for an episode recorded in 2019.  You can revisit the first episode with Dr. Kirch from a few years back here: https://facultyfactory.org/best-of-the-faculty-factory-podcast-an-interview-with-darrell-g-kirch-md/   As the end of a full-time faculty career approaches, many of us instinctively think about retirement. However, there's an alternative mindset that can pave the way for a fulfilling future: preferment. Rather than solely focusing on retirement as an endgame, let's consider how to curate a "Preferment Portfolio"—a balanced mix of passions, pursuits, and projects that ignite our enthusiasm and secure our identities. It's not uncommon for someone to struggle with finding an identity beyond their CV. After all, the demands of working as faculty in academic medicine can be so powerful that they overshadow many other aspects of our life. The good news for those struggling with this phenomenon, which often coexists with burnout, is that Dr. Kirch has excellent wisdom to impart in today's interview for building this portfolio. This approach could help you future-proof your priorities and create a life safeguarded from burnout. You can start today by reflecting on the aspects of your academic life that have brought you joy and fulfillment. How can you integrate these elements into your future beyond your traditional full-time role when the time comes?

Today marks episode number 300 of the Faculty Factory, and we're going to celebrate with a two-part episode. First, we have our founder and podcast host Kimberly A. Skarupski, PhD, MPH, joined by Heather Brod, talking about their newly published book, The Insider's Pocket Guide to Navigating a Faculty Career in Academic Medicine. This is followed by Dr. Skarupski reading a list of every single guest we've ever had on the show. These 300 episodes wouldn't be possible without these amazing people. To every one of you who have joined the show or simply tuned in, thank you for being a part of this community. The Insider's Pocket Guide to Navigating a Faculty Career in Academic Medicine aims to outline a pathway to achieving a rewarding and prosperous career in academic medicine. You can learn more here. The book is designed to guide faculty through the complexities of an academic career, addressing essential topics such as career preparation, promotion, and work-life integration. As we celebrate this milestone 300th episode and our new book, we encourage listeners to continue seeking opportunities for collaboration and leadership. Always keep in mind that great achievements often start with small initiatives and the courage to take action. For more resources: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

We're setting out on a mission to make faculty and learners' lives less stressful this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast with our exciting first-time guest, Jessica Seaman, EdD. Dr. Seaman serves as Assistant Professor of Medical Humanities, Co-Director of the Gold Track Curriculum, and Assistant Dean of Faculty Development at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix. How can we help learners avoid some of the worst consequences of chronic stress that can lead to deep-seated anxiety and depression? As you'll hear within this discussion, there are many strategies to explore, and one of the top approaches is to create psychologically safe spaces for learners at our academic institution. This encourages a proactive stance in the fight against the ill effects of chronic stress by offering a variety of support strategies. As we learned in today's show, there is a lot of forward-thinking work happening at Dr. Seaman's institution (which, as we mention in the interview, has campuses in both Nebraska and Arizona), and compassion is built into its mission. We must also remember, as we discussed in today's episode, that rigidity can create more stress. None of these practices are set in stone; we must revisit them, assess their effectiveness, and strive to avoid complacency by adapting with the times, all for the betterment of our learners. If you want to learn more about anything we discussed on this podcast, you can reach Dr. Seaman at: JessicaSeaman@creighton.edu. We'd also love to hear from you at the Faculty Factory Podcast: What are we doing well? Where are we missing the mark? Do you want to be a guest (or nominate a guest)? Make sure to send us a message through the Contact Us page of FacultyFactory.org: https://facultyfactory.org/contact-us/.

Important news and notes for the academic medicine community about building safe artificial intelligence systems are discussed in depth on this week's Faculty Factory Podcast. We're excited to be joined by first-time guest Eric Nalisnick, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University for this timely discussion. Alongside thoughts on the current state of incorporating the human element into these systems, one thing will remain abundantly clear after listening to today's discussion: these A.I. systems, when left unchecked, are unreliable for work that allows no margin for error (i.e., medical practice, tax returns, etc.). Large language models, like ChatGPT, are effective for low-stakes tasks, brainstorming, and bouncing ideas off of in order to stimulate creativity or encourage alternative ways of thinking. With the ongoing and rapidly growing integration of artificial intelligence in the medical, research, and education fields, maintaining safety, ethical standards, and ensuring that the human touch is not lost are central themes in today's interview. “Integration and efficiency are something I hope we will see from A.I. systems, as opposed to more erosion of the human aspect,” he optimistically mentioned in the closing moments of our podcast If you enjoyed today's podcast or found it useful, consider listening to previous Faculty Factory interviews related to the topics Eric discussed with us: Episode 284 – Ethical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence in Academia with Anjalie Field, PhD Episode 219 – Artificial Intelligence and Rapidly Changing Technology with Daniel Khashabi, PhD

All things “micro” and “mini” are being discussed on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. In the context of today's discussion, “micro” is simply another way of saying expedited, streamlined, and not requiring a massive amount of time. Our guest is Alice Fornari, EdD, FAMEE, RDN, a friend of this podcast over the years, making her third appearance on the program. She serves as Vice President of Faculty Development with Northwell Health and Associate Dean with Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. In terms of micro, we're discussing micro learning, micro teaching, and micro mentoring, along with how to deliver and track the effectiveness of these resources. Learn More:  https://facultyfactory.org/micro-resources/

In this week's episode of the Faculty Factory, we're navigating the complexities of the academic writing and editing process, including dealing with severe time constraints, as we turn the spotlight back onto Richard Edden, PhD, MSc, for his triumphant return to our show. Dr. Edden is Professor of Radiology in the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Within his department, he also holds the position of Director of Post-Doctoral Fellows. Learn More: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

When it comes to exploring the science of an optimized life, Mark Guadagnoli, PhD, is the ideal subject matter expert. Joining us for a special reunion appearance on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week is Dr. Guadagnoli, as we further examine the ways we can jumpstart change to optimize our lives while fully engaging with the sea of demands within academic medicine. At the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Dr. Guadagnoli serves as Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Director of Learning and Performance, and Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Neurology. Learn More: https://facultyfactory.org/jumpstart-change 

As we approach our 300th Faculty Factory podcast episode, we've yet to have a conversation about the insightful strategies surrounding the often-overlooked skill of writing promotion letters. This technical yet crucial component of faculty advancement warrants attention, and we are honored to be joined by Mary Beth Phelan, MD, MBA, on this week's show. Dr. Phelan makes her inaugural appearance on our podcast this week. At the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), she serves as Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Advancement, Chief of the Division of Emergency Medicine Ultrasound, and Director of the Advanced Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship. These roles also include her position as chair of the promotion and tenure committee. Important Resources from Today's Podcast: Writing an External Letter of Review for Promotion [pdf] Promotion and Tenure Letters: A Guide for Faculty [pdf] The ADVICER Template for Faculty Reviewer Letters for Promotion and Appointment [pdf] Learn More: https://facultyfactory.org/promotion-letters 

Making his Faculty Factory debut in a memorable way this week is Michael Gottlieb, MD, RDMS, FAAEM, FACEP.  Naturally, here at the Faculty Factory Podcast, our ears perk up when we hear about the intersection of podcasts, learning, research, and academic medicine. We are joined by Dr. Gottlieb this week to learn all about his research into how the way content is delivered within an educational podcast impacts the actual learning takeaways for the listener and how much of that information is retained. Dr. Gottlieb serves as Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vice Chair of Research, and Director of the Emergency Ultrasound Division in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. It's a fascinating discussion, and we hope you buckle up for the journey that Dr. Gottlieb leads us on! As you will soon learn, the lion's share of today's conversation covers a lot of findings from his research for the recent study he co-authored, entitled “Educational Podcasts: Effect of Content Delivery Timing on Knowledge Acquisition and Retention,” which was published in Academic Medicine.  You can learn more about that here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38551950/ If you want more Faculty Factory resources, please visit our official website: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

In the latest episode of the Faculty Factory podcast, Rachel Walden, MS, ELS, makes a highly informative return to discuss considerations for becoming a more effective writing coach in academic medicine. Rachel is the Director of Editorial Services and an Assistant Professor with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. She is a board-certified editor in the life sciences and provides education and training on scientific writing and publishing for residents and faculty. Rachel reminds us that countless faculty members do not naturally consider themselves writing coaches. Instead, they often feel pressured to revise manuscripts for less experienced authors, which ends up failing to equip trainees with the skills to become proficient scholarly writers. Learn more: https://facultyfactory.org/coach-writing/  

When it comes to managing expectations and accepting the realistic limits of our professional and personal lives (no one can do everything), our guest this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast has some strong words of encouragement. Join us for this week's edition of our podcast as Sarah Andrews, MD, makes a return appearance to discuss prioritizing what matters most as an academic medicine professional facing seemingly endless competing demands on our time. For those that are new to our show, Dr. Andrews is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Did you catch her first appearance on the podcast with us? You can check out “Habits and Hacks with Sarah R. Andrews, MD,” here: https://facultyfactory.org/sarah-andrews/ This week's discussion also includes wisdom on dealing with disappointment when you feel the pressure to please everyone in your life, both at home and at work. (Spoiler alert: it is impossible to please everyone, so you must be comfortable with saying no, and that takes practice.) In this interview, Dr. Andrews also touches on the importance of including our family and colleagues in the decision-making process of uncovering what's most vital by simply asking them from time to time, “What's most important to you?”

The message from our guest this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast is resoundingly clear: despite all the headaches and stressors that come with it, medicine overall should be fun. When it is no longer fun, that should be the litmus test for taking a step back and reevaluating where you are and how you will shape the next phase of your career. We are honored to be joined by Carol Ziminski, MD, on the show this week. Specializing in rheumatology, she is a retired associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is also the co-chair of The Academy at Johns Hopkins. Reflecting on her own retirement journey, Dr. Ziminski candidly recounted the challenges of transitioning from full-time practice, a decision influenced by administrative changes within her division. She emphasized the importance of knowing when it's the right time to step back and make a career-altering move, recognizing that such choices are profoundly personal and should be based on a variety of factors, including the question of whether you are still having fun. The interview highlights the need for more innovative programs like the Academy, which not only honor retirees' contributions but also ensure their continued engagement in the academic community. Dr. Ziminski and the Academy prove that retirement can be a new beginning, filled with purpose and connection. About “The Academy” According to its official website – which you can visit at www.hopkinsmedicine.org/the-academy – “The Academy at Johns Hopkins supports the continued research, teaching, and service of retired faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Honoring our retired faculty for their exceptional wisdom, intelligence, and experience, the Academy actively engages retired faculty in the Johns Hopkins community in ways that benefit our students, patients, disciplines, and institution, and that support their ongoing professional fulfillment.”

This week marks the formidable return of Ann Brown, MD, MHS, to the Faculty Factory as she joins us to discuss managing difficult behaviors and navigating awkward and challenging conversations, both professionally and personally. Dr. Brown often coaches faculty on overcoming these situations in her current role as an executive coach. With extensive leadership experience in academic medicine, she is the former Vice Dean for Faculty at Duke University School of Medicine, a position she held for more than 11 years. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal emotional triggers and stepping back to understand the context of difficult conversations in today's podcast. According to Dr. Brown, the first step is awareness. By cultivating curiosity rather than judgment, we can “get to a better place” regarding healthier dialogue, collaborative workplace settings, and improved relationships moving forward. Contact, Dr. Brown via email: Annbrowncoaching@outlook.com Learn More:  https://facultyfactory.org/toxic-behavior/ 

In the age of distractions, and a time of “doing more with less” in academic medicine, our guest on this week's edition of the Faculty Factory Podcast is Dr. Ashley Paul, MD, who offers us hope. Specializing in treating patients with movement disorders, Dr. Paul is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Paul is an expert in productivity, focusing on a technique we're calling “chips and chunks.” In case you missed her first appearance on our show or need a refresher, you can explore Faculty Factory Podcast Episode No. 254, “Happiness in Academic Medicine Comes from Better Time Management,” here: https://facultyfactory.org/happiness-in-academic-medicine/. This time, she brings us even more efficient time management approaches and email hygiene guidance, discussing how she organizes her inbox to prioritize essential communications while eliminating unnecessary noise. Dr. Paul emphasized the importance of maximizing productivity in small increments rather than relying on long, uninterrupted blocks of time, which can feel daunting. She introduced the concept of “chips,” small tasks that can be completed in a short timeframe, and “chunks,” larger tasks requiring more significant focus. Breaking work into manageable parts allows us to make progress even amidst a very busy schedule. In addition to this guidance, she helps us tackle digital distractions with useful tips. She offers us strategies for overcoming the constant barrage of interruptions, such as deleting social media apps from our phones altogether.   "Our phones are constantly pinging for our attention, making us feel busy all day long, and we don't create the time we need to be truly and deeply productive," she said. Highlighting the value of establishing boundaries, she pointed out that being unavailable doesn't mean neglecting responsibilities; rather, it fosters a healthier, more sustainable balance. More Resources: https://facultyfactory.org/

While all our careers are sure to encounter different twists and turns along the way, remembering your core values and knowing what drives you are things that can sustain you even in the most uncertain and challenging times. This sentiment is outlined powerfully in this week's edition of the Faculty Factory Podcast with our first-time guest, Andrew Dwyer, PhD, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN. Dr. Dwyer is an associate professor at the Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing (CSON) and is a principal investigator in the Massachusetts General Hospital and G.H. Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Dwyer is a Macy Faculty Scholar (Class of 2023). When it comes to professional identity formation, it's all about reflecting on the things that fuel you, and taking the time to discover what truly aligns with your values to build that foundation for long-term success. To jumpstart this self-reflection exercise and foster self-awareness, one of the things Dr. Dwyer shares with the graduate students he works with is the importance of asking a few fundamental questions: What is it that you love? What are you good at? Does the world need it? Can you get paid for it? As Dr. Dwyer helps us navigate the intersection of personal values and professional identity, he emphasizes the theory of Ikigai. This is a concept from Japanese philosophy that inspires individuals to identify what is genuinely important to them and to lead a life rich in purpose and happiness. For more resources: https://facultyfactory.org/

Many significant aspects to consider related to retirement planning in academic medicine are covered in-depth this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast with our guest Lawrence Appel, MD, MPH. Dr Appel is The C. David Molina, MD, MPH, Chair in Medicine with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is the Director of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, a joint program of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Appel holds a primary appointment as Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine with joint appointments in Epidemiology and International Health. During this interview, Dr. Apple discussed his meticulous retirement planning process, including creating spreadsheets to outline his transition from full-time to part-time effort. He emphasized the importance of considering not only financial aspects but also personal goals and relationships in retirement planning. You can learn more about the financial aspects to retirement in Faulty Factory Episode 215 – Investing Basics for Faculty and Retirement Planning with Yuval Bar-Or, PhD Furthermore, there is a new section of our website dedicated to housing all of our retirement-related podcast episodes that you can access here. In this week's episode, Dr. Apple highlighted the practical side of succession planning and leadership development within his research units, to ensure a smooth transition for his colleagues and trainees' post-retirement. His intentions are to remain involved in research activities post-retirement, albeit in a more supportive and advisory role. We hope that by listening to this week's episode and hearing about Dr. Apple's thoughtful approach to retirement planning, it will provide you with guidance for your own efforts, whether it's sooner or later, when the time comes for you to navigate a purposeful transition in this phase of life.

Our listeners are in for a treat this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast as we enjoy a first-time visit from Ann Thompson, MD. She has been called “The Mother of Us All” in the field of pediatric clinical care, and her wisdom is prodigious. Distinguished Service Professor Emerita in Critical Care Medicine and Pediatrics, and the Vice Dean Emerita at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Throughout her career, she has gained a reputation for her dedication to teamwork, facilitation, collaboration, team building, and ensuring overall team success across departments. This commitment is evident not only in her intensive care work but also in her role in faculty affairs, where she served as Vice Dean for ten years. We hope you enjoy this memorable episode as Dr. Thompson reveals her reflections on what it has taken to continuously build and support teams within this field over the years. We also want to give Dr. Thompson a tip of the cap for her continued support of the Faculty Factory. She was a Patreon supporter for several years of our show in our early years, and this community and its resources wouldn't have the reach they have without the generosity of folks like her. Learn More: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

With a healthy dose of skepticism, Dr. Anjalie Field joins our Faculty Factory Podcast this week to discuss the ethical considerations relevant to faculty regarding the use of artificial intelligence, with a specific emphasis on Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Dr. Field is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science in the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. This is her first time joining our podcast, and we are excited to have her on the show. With expertise in natural language processing and social biases surrounding artificial intelligence, Dr. Field brings us the latest ethical considerations within the A.I. boom that we all need to be informed about. Dr. Field's emphasis on critical thinking and skepticism when utilizing A.I. models serve as a cautionary tale to all of us A.I. users. We must consider the hidden biases behind A.I.-generated outputs. As illustrated perfectly in this conversation, there is a growing and undeniable need to promote responsible and inclusive A.I. applications moving forward. For more Faculty Factory resources and podcasts, please visit: https://facultyfactory.org/