A facilitated peer mentoring program for junior faculty to promote professional development and peer networking

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Faculty Development
• Higher Education Research

Background:

• Early career faculty face challenges in professional development and scholarship.
• Effective faculty development programs are crucial for academic advancement.
• Peer mentoring and networking can support junior faculty growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate a faculty development program for early career junior faculty.
• To assess the program's impact on participants' knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA).
• To explore changes in faculty interconnectedness.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of junior faculty participated in interdisciplinary small groups led by senior faculty.
• A modular curriculum was reviewed monthly over two years (2011-2013).
• Surveys and program evaluations collected data on demographics, KSA, and faculty networks.

Main Results:

• 104 junior faculty showed improved self-reported KSA in professional development and scholarship.
• Participants demonstrated enhanced ability to set and align career goals with activities.
• Faculty interconnectedness increased, with more network nodes and ties.

Conclusions:

• The facilitated peer mentoring program effectively enhanced junior faculty KSA for career advancement.
• The program particularly benefited female faculty and improved peer networking.
• This model supports early career academic success.