Endowed faculty positions in academic emergency medicine: 5 years later

In 2004, we examined the number of endowed faculty positions (both chair and professorship) in Academic Departments of Emergency Medicine (ADEMs) in the United States (US).

To survey ADEMs in the United States concerning their number of endowed faculty positions and compare the results to the 2004 study.

A survey was sent to the chairs of all ADEMs in the United States belonging to the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine. We requested information on: number of endowed chair and professorship positions, amount required to fund, date established, source of funding, and future plans.

Seventy-three chairs responded, for a 100% response rate. Eight chairs reported one endowed chair position each. One chair reported two such positions and one chair reported three chair positions. In total, 10 ADEMs (13.7%) reported 13 endowed chair positions. For endowed professorships, eight chairs reported one professorship each and two chairs reported two such positions. A total of 10 ADEMs (13.7%) reported having 12 endowed professorships. In all, 19 ADEMs (26%) reported a total of 25 such positions. The typical amount allowed to spend was 4-5% of the value of the endowment annually. The average amount necessary to fund an endowed chair position was $1.5 million, and $1 million for an endowed professorship.

Twenty-six percent of all US ADEMs now have an endowed faculty position. There has been a nearly threefold increase in the number of endowed faculty positions over the past 5 years.