2021 Senior Fellows (2nd & 3rd Year) Program | August 2021-Academic Practice

Pdf Summary

This document is a presentation by Jason A. Dominitz, MD, MHS, about what to expect in academic practice and how to thrive in that environment. Dominitz provides an overview of different tracks within academic practice, such as physician-scientist, clinician-clinician, clinician-scholar, and clinician-administrator. He explains that each track has different expectations for clinical work, teaching, and scholarly output.<br /><br />Dominitz emphasizes the importance of knowing the promotion and tenure rules specific to each institution, as they vary. He highlights key criteria for promotion, such as professionalism, outstanding clinical care, teaching, dissemination of scholarly work, diversity and inclusion contributions, administrative accomplishments, and recognition at the local/regional or national/international level.<br /><br />The presentation also includes advice on how to survive and thrive in academic practice. Dominitz recommends finding a good mentor, striving for excellence in clinical care, teaching, and research, and building a reputation and network. He encourages physicians to pursue formal training in research, medical education, or hospital/business administration, although it is not mandatory.<br /><br />Dominitz shares his personal reflections on academic gastroenterology, highlighting the impact and fulfillment it offers through patient care, education, research, and policy development. He also praises career opportunities in the Veterans Health Administration (VA), emphasizing its patient-focused approach, research opportunities, clinical innovation projects, and teaching collaborations with academia.<br /><br />The presentation concludes with Dominitz's key takeaways, including the idea that academic practice is a calling with various possibilities for contributing to patient care, training the next generation, and creating new knowledge. He urges researchers to find mentors, write grants, and publish their work, while emphasizing the importance of being a team player, knowing promotion criteria, following one's passion, and embracing the ongoing excitement of academic practice.

Asset Subtitle

Jason Dominitz, MD, MHS, FASGE

Keywords

academic practice

physician-scientist

clinician-clinician

clinician-scholar

clinician-administrator

promotion and tenure rules

mentorship

excellence in clinical care

research

patient care